Pearls and Irritations

Since the Labor government endorsed Scott Morrison’s AUKUS Defence Policy, many former Labor leaders, diplomats and academics have questioned whether there has been adequate assessment of the many risks associated with this secret deal that has not been formally assessed for its impact on Australians.

Open Letter to all ALP members at the ALP National Conference, from six former Labor politicians 17 August 2023

Therefore:

We, the undersigned, urge Labor National conference delegates to to recommend an independent inquiry into the trilateral security agreement AUKUS negotiated by former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and accepted by the Albanese Government.

We are concerned for the wellbeing and security of all Australians, so we question the fact that there has been inadequate public scrutiny of this long term defence agreement.

There are no publicly-available impact studies showing how AUKUS will affect the social, environmental and economic conditions of all Australians, now and into an unknown future. Professionals with relevant expertise have not been asked to provide the Australian Government with essential detail for managing such a large-scale military venture. There are no risk assessments about the serious threat to those port communities in the event of a reactor accident. There are no plans to guarantee safe transport and disposal of nuclear waste.

Current planning about AUKUS is shrouded in secrecy so it is time for an independent inquiry by a team of economic, medical, technical and international relations professionals who have the credentials to fully examine just how Australia will meet its duty of care to its own citizens and indeed to peace in our region.

Therefore, we urge National Australian Labor Party Conference delegates in Brisbane from August 17-19 to show their full support for a public and independent inquiry into AUKUS.

This letter is authorised by

Doug Cameron, Former Federal Senator for New South Wales

Clement Campbell OAM, Former State MLA for Bundaberg, Queensland

Claire Moore, Former Federal Senator for Queensland

Margaret Reynolds, AC, Former Federal Senator for Queensland

Jon Stanhope AO, Former Chief Minister of the ACT and MLA for Ginninderra

Rod Welford, Former Attorney General and State MLA for Stafford, Queensland

And supported by the following organisations

Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)

The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)

Labor Against War (LAW)

Medical Association for Prevention of War (MAPW)

The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Australia (WILPF)

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