While a recent Action Alert encourages Quakers to have their say in the Public Inquiry into AUKUS before it closes on 1 September, it applies to all Australians concerned about peace, security and democratic accountability.
The Quaker Peace and Legislative committee (QPLC) is of course drafting a submission to the Public Inquiry on behalf of Quakers Australia. The QPLC submission will emphasise human security, health, education, social welfare, the dangers of the arms race, views of young people and women, perspectives from the Pacific, and the value of democratic processes.
About AUKUS
AUKUS is a trilateral security understanding and proposed arms deals announced in 2021 involving Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States involving: (a) Nuclear-powered submarines, (b) Hypersonic weapons research, (c) Australian financial transfers to UK and US, and (d) unfettered US access to Australian bases.
The history of AUKUS has been shrouded in secrecy and evasion by successive federal governments. This expensive commitment of almost $400b on behalf of Australians adds to the global arms race and links Australia more closely with US plans for containing China. It distorts budget priorities in favour of open-ended military responses, and ignores the importance of human security. It draws us into a nuclear future with its uncertainties and long-term challenges including nuclear waste disposal.
The Inquiry has a team of five commissioners from varied backgrounds – Peter Garrett, former federal MP and Minister; Admiral (Retired) Chris Barrie, former Defence Chief; Dr Carmen Lawrence, former WA Premier; Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara woman from Central Australia; and Leanne Minshull, co-chief executive officer of The Australia Institute. See this Peter Garrett interview from Late Night Live.
Members of the public, community organisations, faith groups and local meetings are encouraged to participate by making a submission to the Public Inquiry. Submissions close 1st September 2026.
Submissions can be submitted via an email to: publicinquiryintoaukus@gmail.com; or via the online form at: https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/#make-a-submission
The following points may assist in preparing a submission:
- The more submissions, the better (over 500 have been received already).
- Repeating others’ points is fine.
- Brevity is appreciated. Please use simple, straightforward language to express your concerns.
- The Inquiry’s website provides useful information, including the questions the Inquiry is examining, other submissions, videos of presentations at the Inquiry’s public hearings, and upcoming public hearings.