Australian Atomic Survivors’ Delegation heads to Parliament House

Jun 13, 2023 | Campaign Updates, Media Release

CAMPAIGN NEWS:

Australian Atomic Survivors’ Delegation heads to Parliament House

MEDIA RELEASE: Atomic Survivors travel thousands of kilometres to call on PM to sign nuclear weapon ban treaty

 

A group of Australian atomic survivors are travelling to Canberra this week to speak with government decision-makers about their experiences as survivors of the British nuclear testing program in WA and SA. They will outline expectations for future actions from the government to acknowledge and address the harms caused by nuclear weapons testing, calling directly on the Prime Minister to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the British nuclear testing program at Emu Field in South Australia, and one of the delegates, Karina Lester, a Yankunytjatjara Anangu woman from north-west South Australia, is a second generation nuclear test survivor from these tests. Her late father, Yami Lester, was blinded by the tests at Emu Field, and Karina carries his story as well as her grandmother’s story about the impacts of the tests on her people.

“Our mob were not informed of those tests that were about to take place on our traditional lands,” said Karina. “Consent was never given by Anangu for the Emu Field tests. The Government did not come and ask Anangu if it was okay to test on our traditional lands.

“First Nations peoples of this Country have been speaking up strong about truth telling, this is our truth telling, about the impacts felt by my people, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, the contamination of our traditional lands, the hurt and pain and suffering still felt to this day. All Australians need to know the truth about what happened on our own soil.

“I’m travelling to Canberra because we Aboriginal people need to be around the tables to make the decisions, and the nuclear ban treaty is a good opportunity to be part of the solution.”

Maxine Goodwin is the daughter of an Australian nuclear veteran who became ill as a result of his involvement in the first atomic test in Western Australia. She is joining the delegation because she wants to see the government be held accountable for what happened to veterans and their families. 

“History has demonstrated that governments have been elusive and unaccountable,” said Maxine. “They have been less than accountable when it comes to the history of nuclear testing in Australia. Signing the TPNW is a significant step towards addressing the harm experienced by individuals and communities. From my community’s experience, there has been no accountability for the impacts of the nuclear tests on veterans and their families.”

June Lennon is a Yankunytjatjara, Antikarinya and Pitjantjatjara woman, who was four months old, in October 1953, when the Totem 1 nuclear bomb was detonated at Emu Field. June’s family witnessed the test and have suffered from ill-health ever since. 

“The government didn’t tell the truth about the nuclear testing program,” said June “There were so many lies—they didn’t tell people what they were doing. The people who suffered really need an apology and recognition. We need it so we can remember those people we lost, so their names won’t be forgotten.”

In 1956, Doug Brooks was eighteen when he was stationed at Monte Bello Islands as a serving member of the Royal Australian Navy. He was onboard HMS Alert when, as part of Operation Mosaic, the G2 98 kiloton nuclear bomb was detonated just ten miles away. He and the rest of the crew were exposed to the full blast of the explosion. 

“The 19th of June is the 67th anniversary of my exposure at Monte Bello Islands,” said Doug. “After all these years of fighting with the government, it comes at an appropriate time. I will never stop fighting to get recognition for these people.”

ICAN Australia Director, Gem Romuld, says “this is an incredibly important delegation, some of whom are travelling thousands of kilometres to be in Canberra. 

“Nuclear survivors are experts on the devastating humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons. Australia’s experience with nuclear weapons testing is a powerful motivation to join the nuclear weapon ban treaty. Joining the treaty will help prevent more people and land from suffering, as well as address historic harms. It’s about the past, the present, and the future.”

The delegation will be in Canberra on the 14th and 15th of June. They will meet with parliamentarians, including the Foreign Minister, and speak at an event hosted by Parliamentary Friends of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 

On Wed 14th June there will be a picfac at 9:30 am in the Senate Courtyard 28L, followed by a press conference with Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of the TPNW, at 10 am, in the Mural Hall, Second Floor.

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Media Release: PM must lead on nuclear disarmament at G7 Summit in Hiroshima

May 18, 2023 | Campaign Updates, Media Release

CAMPAIGN NEWS:

Media Release: PM must lead on nuclear disarmament at G7 Summit in Hiroshima

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to join G7 countries in Hiroshima this weekend as an invitee of the G7 Summit, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, ICAN, calls on Albanese to be a leader on issues of nuclear disarmament, rather than remaining complicit in their existence.

In a message directed at the PM, ICAN Australia Director, Gem Romuld, said that “Atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima are appealing to all countries to join the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). They don’t want platitudes, they want action. The best way for you, Prime Minister Albanese, to honour them, and ensure no one else ever suffers as they have, would be to join the treaty—as Labor has been promising to do.

All G7 nations either possess, host or support the use of nuclear weapons in their security doctrines. However, several of the invited countries have signed the TPNW, including Indonesia, the Cook Islands and Brazil, and will expect meaningful outcomes on nuclear disarmament from the Hiroshima summit.

Anthony Albanese proposed the resolution that commits Labor to join the TPNW at the 2018 National Labor Conference, and has pledged his personal support for the ban alongside 75% of all federal Labor parliamentarians.

In an appeal via letter to the Prime Minister earlier this month, the ICAN Australia Co-Chairs Dr Marianne Hanson and Dr Margaret Beavis wrote,

“Australia, as a non-nuclear nation and a proud signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, has a responsibility to lead efforts on the stigmatisation, prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons, including where the nuclear-armed and nuclear-hosting states fail…

“Under your government, Australia has taken positive steps to engage with the TPNW, for which we commend you. However, we have yet to learn of concrete action to sign and then ratify the treaty. We urge Labor to take the opportunity to advance Australia’s position on this treaty when you visit Hiroshima.”

Read ICAN's letter to PM Albanese ahead of G7 Summit in Hiroshima

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Foreign Minister at the National Press Club

Apr 17, 2023 | Campaign Updates

CAMPAIGN NEWS:

Foreign Minister at the National Press Club

On Monday 17 April 2023, Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the National Press Club. The speech included a number of points relevant to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. Guardian journalist Daniel Hurst asked a question on whether the government will be in a position to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in this term of government. The Foreign Minister did not commit to a timeline for signature and noted “challenging issues” associated with the TPNW, while reaffirming that Labor’s platform position remains in place. That position commits Labor to sign and ratify the TPNW in government. 

KEY POINTS

“I think the TPNW is of substantial normative value.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

We agree. The TPNW is intended to further stigmatise nuclear weapons in international law, as an essential step towards their elimination. The normative value of prohibiting an inhumane weapon is proven by the positive impacts the prohibitions of other weapons systems have had in vastly reducing, over time, their production, deployment, threat of use and use.

“In terms of the TPNW, I think the fact that so many states have signed it demonstrates the frustration that there has been insufficient progress in the context of the NPT, and if this can spur more progress in that arena, that is a good thing.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

We agree. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was drafted to complement and reinforce the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. All TPNW states parties are also party to the NPT, and are fulfilling their obligations under the NPT’s Article 6, to pursue effective measures for disarmament. The TPNW is a permanent part of the global legal architecture for nuclear weapons, and its positive effects go beyond the implementation of the treaty itself. Australia must not limit its efforts on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to the NPT, but should join the TPNW and end any support for the potential use of nuclear weapons in Australia’s defence posture.

“The US has confirmed that the nuclear-powered submarines visiting Australia on rotation will be conventionally-armed.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

This is welcome news. Australia must also insist that any other US or UK vessels or aircraft that are deployed, stationed in or visiting Australia must not carry nuclear weapons or be nuclear-capable, including the US B-52 aircraft proposed to be stationed at RAAF Base Tindal, NT. The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, or Rarotonga Treaty, to which Australia is a party, prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons in Australia. 

“Labor has a proud history of championing practical international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts, having ratified the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons – and will ensure we continue to meet its obligations to the highest and most rigorous standards.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

Labor’s history of championing practical international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts must now include Australia’s signature and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Failure to do so would cast serious doubt on this history and Labor’s genuine commitment to advancing a world free of nuclear weapons.

“… our job is to lower the heat on any potential conflict, while increasing pressure on others to do the same.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

AUKUS and the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines represents an escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Joining the TPNW would lower the heat, and enable Australia to increase pressure on other nations to negotiate time-bound and verifiable agreements to disarm. When it comes to the risk of regional conflict and the potential escalation to the use of nuclear weapons, initiatives that repudiate support for the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons will help prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Read ICAN’s recent briefing note here.

TRANSCRIPT EXCERPTS

Full transcript and video.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

 

“And some have raised concerns about nuclear non-proliferation.

Labor has a proud history of championing practical international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts, having ratified the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons – and will ensure we continue to meet its obligations to the highest and most rigorous standards.

Our AUKUS partners understand and recognise Australia’s commitments under international law, including the Treaty of Rarotonga.

Naval nuclear-propulsion is consistent with our obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga.

The US has confirmed that the nuclear-powered submarines visiting Australia on rotation will be conventionally-armed.”

Guardian Australia foreign affairs correspondent, Daniel Hurst:

 

You spoke a lot in the speech about Australia sharpening its own articulation of its interest and regional interests. Many countries in our region including Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines have signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW]. Labor had a platform commitment to sign and ratify it subject to several conditions. Do you expect Australia will be in a condition to sign it in this term of parliament and what undertakings have you given the US and UK on this front?

 

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

 

The position, is not about any private undertakings, the position is what is articulated in the platform resolution which does go to some of the challenging issues associated with the TPNW. I think the TPNW is of substantial normative value.

 

We share the objective of a world that is free of nuclear weapons. We do believe the best pathway for that, is to ensure that the non-proliferation treaty, the NPT is acted upon and progressed. In terms of the TPNW, I think the fact that so many states have signed it demonstrates the frustration that there has been insufficient progress in the context of the NPT, and if this can spur that more progress in that arena, that is a good thing.

 

We set out very transparently in the party platform our consideration of that treaty.

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Briefing note: nuclear-powered submarines, B-52 aircraft and nuclear weapons

Mar 7, 2023 | Campaign Updates

CAMPAIGN NEWS:

Briefing note: nuclear-powered submarines, B-52 aircraft and nuclear weapons

Key points

  • The most effective way for Australia to ensure its nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation credentials is to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
  • Australia should not put additional obstacles in the way of joining the TPNW.
  • Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would undermine the spirit, if not the letter, of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
  • The stationing of any nuclear weapons in Australia is prohibited under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (Rarotonga) Treaty.
  • Acquiring nuclear-powered submarines would increase tensions within our region and increase the likelihood of Australia being a nuclear target.
  • Australia must ensure that any future nuclear-powered submarines, and any B-52 aircraft or other US craft stationed in Australia, will not carry nuclear weapons or be nuclear-capable. We do not believe that a US policy of ‘neither confirm nor deny’ is useful or acceptable.

Precedent

It is unprecedented for a non-nuclear armed nation to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Australian acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines will motivate and provide justification for others to do the same, indeed it already is. 

 

Nuclear proliferation risks

UK and US submarines use highly enriched uranium (HEU), to 93-97%, which can be directly used in nuclear weapons. 

The deal would require Australia to be the first to exploit a loophole in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Former Head of Verification at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Tariq Rauf, says:

Australia’s acquisition of SSNs [nuclear-powered attack submarines] under AUKUS could well open a Pandora’s Box of proliferation with non-nuclear-weapon states such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea among others also going in for nuclear-powered submarines and keeping nuclear fuel (both low- and highly-enriched uranium) outside the scope of IAEA safeguards. This would weaken the IAEA safeguards (verification) system already facing challenges from new technologies and open up possibilities of diversion of nuclear material for nuclear weapons.

Australia’s acquisition of HEU for use on nuclear-powered submarines would undermine Australia’s own efforts to reduce HEU use and stocks and achieve a fissile material cutoff treaty.

 

Escalating tensions

Regional neighbours, including Malaysia and Indonesia, have indicated their opposition to Australian nuclear submarines. Acquiring nuclear submarines to be part of US war and nuclear conflict planning, particularly directed against China, is highly provocative and escalates tensions among nuclear-armed, and regional, states. Australia should focus on reducing tensions and risks of armed conflict, seeking cooperation with all nations to address urgent shared global challenges. 

 

Legal concerns

The stationing of any nuclear weapons in Australia is prohibited under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (Rarotonga) Treaty. Australia must never host another state’s nuclear weapons and should end rather than increase its role in assisting possible use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. 

 

Nuclear target

Nuclear-powered submarines would increase the priority of targets in Australia for adversaries, including nuclear-armed ones, of the US, UK and Australia. Such targets could include submarine construction sites and host ports. Attack, as well as accidents, would risk radioactive contamination of Australian host cities. Nuclear submarines and nuclear materials may also become targets for domestic terrorist threats.

 

Missile concerns

The proposed submarines may be armed with US Tomahawk missiles. There are two problems with this: First, these missiles can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads (dual-use). Even if the missiles on Australian submarines are armed only with conventional warheads, there will always be a level of nuclear ambiguity and risks of misperception, including worst-case planning by adversaries making these submarines a nuclear target. Second, Australia is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) which aims to limit the development of missiles which have a range beyond 300 kilometres. Tomahawk missiles have a range of 2,400 kilometres and if they are dual-use missiles, would undermine Australia’s commitment to the MTCR.  

 

Australia’s position on the TPNW

Labor made a pre-election commitment to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 107 federal parliamentarians have pledged their commitment to achieving this goal, including the Prime Minister.

Australia attended the first Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW in June 2022 as an observer, and ended its opposition to the treaty by abstaining on a 2022 UN General Assembly resolution supporting it after the previous government voted against it. Steps to sign and ratify the treaty are still pending.

 

Next steps

Should Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, the federal government must ensure that they are non-nuclear weapons capable.

The proposed stationing of B-52 aircraft at RAAF Tindal should exclude nuclear-capable aircraft, given around half the deployed US fleet of B-52s were stripped of their capacity to carry nuclear weapons under the New START treaty.

Australia should reject any presence of nuclear weapons in its territory, including airspace and waters, even if transitory.

Australia’s plans and policies should convincingly support and not undermine nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The government must leave no doubt that nuclear-powered submarines and visiting craft of nuclear-armed allies, now or in the future, could be the thin end of the wedge for nuclear weapons hosting, stationing in, or acquisition by, Australia. The most effective way to do this is for the Australian government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It should add no further obstacles to fulfilling this ALP national policy platform commitment.

 

Further reading:

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    Second anniversary of TPNW entry into force

    Jan 22, 2023 | Campaign Updates

    CAMPAIGN NEWS:

    Second anniversary of TPNW entry into force

    Two years ago today the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) entered into force. On that day it became binding on all states parties, entrenching its place in international law. The nuclear weapon ban is the new gold standard for any nation that is serious about nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

    The co-chairs of Parliamentary Friends of the TPNW have released a statement celebrating the anniversary and affirming their commitment to working for Australia’s signature and ratification. The cross-party group has 30 members and is co-chaired by Josh Wilson MP (Labor), Senator Jordon Steele-John (Greens) and Russell Broadbent MP (Liberal).

     

    In their statement, the co-chairs acknowledge the “escalating nuclear threats from nuclear-armed states” and the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war on global security. “At a time when the risk of nuclear conflict has significantly increased, and the existing disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has also been under pressure, the TPNW presents a vital opportunity for new and serious progress in moving towards a world without nuclear weapons.”

    Their statement celebrates the already ninety-two countries who have signed the treaty and urges the Australian Government to create a meaningful and lasting legacy by doing the same. “History shows that prohibition treaties on weapons of mass destruction are essential to facilitate progress towards their elimination.”

    In The Guardian this morning, Josh Wilson MP, who is chair of the joint standing committee on treaties, said Australia’s peace and security was “massively improved when we help build and enhance the framework of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament”.

    He said the Albanese government had “wasted no time embarking on a serious and steady re-engagement” with both the longstanding nuclear non-proliferation treaty and also the newer ban treaty. To read the full article and statement, click the links below.

    Further, to mark this important anniversary, Marianne Hanson and Margaret Beavis of ICAN Australia have published an opinion piece in the Canberra Times, ‘Nuclear dangers are far from over’. They write;

    A nuclear-free world requires visionary and bold leadership. It is a global public good. Signing the TPNW, and playing an active role internationally for balanced, phased and verified disarmament will be an excellent start.

    Read the Guardian article
    Read the statement from Parliamentary Friends of the TPNW
    Read the Canberra Times opinion piece
    Read ICAN Australia's media release

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