Public Statement – Australians for War Powers Reform 24 July 2025
The Prime Minister’s trip to China has helped improve and normalise relations with our largest trading partner but Mr Albanese should go further and reject the idea that Australia will pre-commit to join a potential US-China war.
After several years of tension, the Australia – China relationship is getting back on track but questions about the future of AUKUS and demands from the Trump administration on key foreign policy issues are hindering progress.
In recent weeks disturbing reports have emerged that Elbridge Colby, a senior Trump defence official has been pressuring both Australia and Japan to pre-commit to a potential conflict over Taiwan.
So far the Albanese government has responded in vague terms only. In our view the Prime Minister should reject this idea outright.
To suggest that as part of the AUKUS agreement Australia must give a commitment to engaging in military action in a super power war is absurd and offensive.
Why does Mr Elbridge think it is appropriate to directly interfere in matters that are clearly decisions that should be made by Australians via their elected representatives?
The Trump administration has also “demanded” that we dramatically increase our military budget when this is clearly a matter for public and parliamentary discussion within Australia, and when Australia is already committing billions of dollars to the US for weapons of war.
The Albanese government has offered only mild pushback on the American demands when a much stronger, independent response is needed.
Earlier this month AWPR wrote to the Prime Minister calling on him to make it clear now that Australia will not take part in any conflict over Taiwan.
A war between these superpowers would be nothing short of catastrophic. Instead of fuelling fear and speculation, Australia should use all diplomatic means available to help the international community avoid such a war.
Australia needs to learn the lessons of recent history – our involvement in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan achieved nothing and was extremely detrimental both to our troops and the people of those nations.
Slavishly following the US into foreign wars that do not directly involve a threat to Australia should be avoided and regarded as a last resort, not a default position.
In each of those overseas wars the Australian public and all our MPs and Senators had no say, with this life and death decision being left up to the Prime Minister and the executive. It is beyond time that war powers reform is legislated to give the parliament the ultimate say.
The current system is outdated and anti-democratic.
Do we genuinely believe in democracy, transparency and accountability, or are these just nice words that politicians like to throw around?
Following his China trip Mr Albanese now has a clear opportunity to build on this success with defence and foreign policies firmly rooted in Australian democratic principles.
Other nations, even friendly allies, must not be allowed to dictate policies for Australia.
