WHAT WAS CLAIMED
Paul Keating called NSW Premier Chris Minns a "bought asset of Netanyahu and Israel".
OUR VERDICT
False. The quote has been fabricated.
AAP FACTCHECK - Former prime minister Paul Keating did not call NSW Premier Chris Minns a "bought asset of Netanyahu and Israel", despite posts on social media.
NSW has experienced a number of large protests relating to Israel's actions in Gaza, including violent clashes with police in February 2026 during the visit of Israel's president, Isaac Herzog.
Mr Minns subsequently defended the actions of police after footage emerged of officers punching protesters, The Guardian Australia reported.
However, a quote that appears to show Mr Keating calling for Mr Minns to be ousted for his actions has been made up.
The fake quote appears to have originated from a Facebook post on October 17.
The post includes an image of Mr Keating along with text in quote marks stating: "If Chris Minns in NSW isn't challenged and spilled quickly, he'll be the death knell of Labor."
"Worse than the idiot and police brutality fanboy / thug that he is, he's an obvious bought asset of Netanyahu and Israel.
"The death of Labor in NSW and federally."
The post appears to acknowledge the quote has been fabricated, stating "(not actual quote)" in the post's description.
The image containing the quote has since been shared in isolation, without the disclaimer.
There is no record of Mr Keating saying the quote attributed to him, and when AAP FactCheck contacted the former prime minister, he confirmed it was fake.
"Completely fictitious," Mr Keating told AAP FactCheck via his office.
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