Adelaide – Today the Australian Labor Party has strengthened their National Platform to facilitate the signature of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) by confirming that AUKUS will not impede Australia’s progress on the signing and ratifying of the Treaty.

Linda Scott, National Policy Forum member, addressed delegates celebrating the updated platform, saying:

“This clause reaffirms in black and white in our binding platform that our defence programs, like AUKUS, will remain consistent with our longstanding commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. Nothing will stop us from keeping our commitment to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

She further reminded delegates of the Labor’s proud history on nuclear disarmament and profound responsibility of Labor to uphold the party’s values:  

“This is not a footnote. This is Labor’s founding faith… that peace is not passive, it is pursued. Disarmament is not a dream, it is a discipline.”

This updated platform was backed by strong calls at the National Conference to join TPNW in this term of government. Addressing the Conference, Federal member for Fremantle and Labor Convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of the TPNW Josh Wilson called for a parliamentary inquiry to progress Australia joining the Treaty and said:

“I’m determined to work with colleagues in the Party, in the Union movement, and civil society to see this Labor government sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

NSW Delegate Michael Pilbrow reminded the Conference of Prime Minister Albanese’s comments when he moved the historic motion in 2018 that joining the TNPW would be “Labor at its best.”

“We need to continue to be our best in government by progressing this promise with urgency.”

ICAN International’s Executive Director, The Hon Melissa Parke, a former Labor MP for the federal seat of Fremantle, welcomed the Conference outcome and called for this to be translated into urgent action.

“No timeline has yet been given by this Labor government for acting on this long standing party pledge. The matter is urgent. The precarious state of the world means we need to see the Prime Minister put pen to paper, without delay.”

“The TPNW would prevent nuclear weapons being brought to this country and it would stop current and future Australian governments from engaging in or assisting with nuclear weapon related activities in any way. Such activity would make Australia complicit and would put a nuclear target on our backs.”