Report Launch: Australia’s Opaque Arms Trade and Obligations under International Law
Quakers Australia’s Peace & Legislation Committee, together with Peaceworker Jessica Morrison, have been examining Australia’s military export system in recent months. At the upcoming report launch hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs, they will present findings showing that Australia’s transparency around arms exports falls short compared to many similar nations. This is especially concerning given the significant investment by successive Australian governments in expanding the country’s military exports — raising serious questions about public oversight and parliamentary accountability.
Background: Australia played a key bipartisan role in shepherding through what was a complex and fraught treaty process. In 2006 Australia was one of the seven co-authors of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Australia continued its active role which culminated in the appointment of Peter Woolcott by the United Nations Secretary-General to steer through the final crucial negotiations which produced the treaty text that was ultimately adopted by the UNGA in 2013 and came into force the next year.
The Arms Trade Treaty seeks to establish the highest possible common international standards to regulate the international trade in conventional arms, eradicate their illicit trade and prevent their diversion. The Treaty has an overarching object and purpose to reduce human suffering and contribute to security and stability.
The last two years have seen extensive scrutiny of Australian military exports, including to Israel. There are also questions as to whether Australia is prepared to continue its leadership role within the Arms Trade Treaty. While the ATT has seen significant benefits in regard to norm-setting and national control settings, it has not yet made clearly observable progress towards the objectives of reducing human suffering.
This event will introduce the Quaker report and reflect on the implications of this for both Australian policy and our broader role as a middle power in arms control mechanisms internationally.
Register here to attend – online or in person in Canberra
