Grounded in the Quaker peace testimony, this recent Watching Brief, authored by the Quaker Peace & Legislative Committee, calls Friends to witness against Australia’s growing investment in militarisation at the expense of diplomacy, peace-building and overseas aid.
It raises deep concern that AUKUS, military manufacturing, autonomous weapons and rising defence spending may increase fear and insecurity rather than nurture peace.
In a world marked by hunger, climate distress, health needs and humanitarian crises, the document urges a faithful turning toward the foundations of true security: justice, compassion, diplomacy, development and human well-being. It encourages Quakers and allies to uphold this witness through campaigns such as Move the Money, Make Peace a Priority and Safer World for All, seeking to shift national priorities from militarisation toward peace.