Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee (QPLC) will launch a new report examining transparency, licensing and parliamentary oversight of Australia’s defence exports — and the reforms needed to align practice with international humanitarian law.
Speakers: Peter Woolcott AO and Jessica Morrison (QPLC Peaceworker) will speak at the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Deakin, from . The event is hybrid; registration is required for both in-person and online attendance.
“International law does not enforce itselfInternational itself. I call on all countries not to be complicit through arms transfers, where risks of violations are starkly evident amidst an unrelenting humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”
— Prof. Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law, The University of Sydney, UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights & Counterterrorism
Joint statement: 61 signatories and counting
Alongside the report, civil society organisations have issued a joint statement calling for a parliamentary review to ensure public and parliamentary accountability and compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The statement has 61 signatories and continues to grow.
What’s on the launch webpage
- Full report (PDF) and a 2-page executive summary
- Table of contents for quick navigation
- The joint statement plus a live signatory list
- Event details and QPLC contact information
Cover art for “Australia’s Opaque Arms Trade & Obligations Under International Law” (Aug 2025), featuring a stylised aircraft and ship.
Why this matters
The report finds Australia’s transparency mechanisms lag behind comparable countries even as successive governments have invested in expanding defence exports. It recommends public, transaction-level reporting, stronger end-use monitoring, and enabling parliamentary scrutiny of permits and policy to meet Australia’s obligations under the ATT.
Event & links
- When: Today, Wednesday 27 August, 6:30–7:45pm AEST
- Where: AIIA, Deakin (hybrid) — registration required
- Launch webpage: Read the report & statement
- Register: AIIA registration
About QPLC
The Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee (QPLC) is a committee of Quakers Australia, working for peace, integrity and accountability in public policy. QPLC’s Peaceworker, Jessica Morrison, leads research, engagement and advocacy on issues including arms control and international humanitarian law.
Media contact
QPLC Peaceworker — peaceworker@quakersaustralia.info
