Contact your MP
Australia is one of few democracies in which a parliamentary debate and vote is not required before a decision to go to war.
We believe informed public discussion is needed about Australia’s role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and how we respond to future conflicts should be improved.
We seek reform of the “War Powers” which allow the Prime Minister and the executive to commit troops to international conflict.
This grave decision should be made by the whole Parliament, not a select few behind closed doors.
Help us grow the movement for war powers reform in Australia.
Our parliamentary representatives will only seek to change the current practice if they know that it matters to the public.
The more they hear from you, the more likely they are to take action.
You can use our sample email or write your own.
To find your local MP and their email address just type in your postcode, click the link below.
Sample Email
Dear……………………….
I am writing to express my concern about Australia’s current war powers which allow the Prime Minister or the Executive to authorise military action overseas without consulting Parliament.
I believe it is wrong for one person, or a small group of ministers, to have the final say on such a momentous decision.
I am asking you to consider reform so that the Parliament is assigned this power and a full debate is undertaken before our troops are sent into international armed conflict.
All our elected MPs and Senators should be involved so that we have full transparency and democracy.
I understand that the Labor government held a parliamentary inquiry into war powers, and it recommended some changes to improve consultation. But the inquiry reaffirmed the dangerous notion that joining an overseas war is a decision for the Executive.
The reforms very widely supported by civil society, and which I support, would still allow for the Government to deploy troops without parliamentary approval in the event of an emergency or a direct attack on Australia.
I believe that a requirement for parliamentary authorisation of future overseas wars will lead to more sound decision making and accountability on this vital issue.