“Anyone who changes his principles depending on who he is dealing with is not fit to lead” – Nelson Mandela

In a shameful display of moral bankruptcy at the National Conference of the ALP, the national leadership stymied an attempt by a courageous group of members to remove support for AUKUS from the party platform. The vote revealed a truly low moment in Australian labour politics. Undoubtedly this decision will come back to haunt the party in years to come. For those with any knowledge of the jingoism that divided the labour movement during the First World War, today’s decision must be truly worrying. Will Albanese be the next Billy Hughes?

Meanwhile outside the conference protestors rallied and marched in opposition to AUKUS, ‘the worst deal in all history’ to quote former Labor Prime Minister, Paul Keating. Speakers talked about the concerns of establishing a nuclear industry in Australia, the issues of waste disposal, and the exorbitant sums of money going into the US and UK arms manufacturers rather than being spent on housing, education, health, and combatting climate change. Speakers vigorously opposed AUKUS, arguing that it would shackle ourselves to US military-industrial complex and destablilise the region.

Even with my own personal low expectations of the conference, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly deflated by today’s decision. But I know I’m not alone, and there are thousands out there who doubt the wisdom of AUKUS. It’s not a time to be silent, but to make our opposition loud and strong.

Lachlan Hurse
18 August 2023

NoAUKUS