Media Release
Senate to debate how Australia goes to war – new legislation to ensure parliamentary approval
A new War Powers Reform bill is now before parliament and is set for debate today.
The Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill was introduced to the Senate on March 11 and is designed to give all MPs and Senators a vote before Australia joins any overseas war.
At present the power to join overseas wars (wars of choice) rests with the Prime Minister and the executive alone, with no reference to parliament.
In light of Australia’s sudden involvement in, and support for, the Iran war, this bill is timely and relevant.
“It’s high time that Australia reformed the current out dated and undemocratic process for deciding on war,” said AWPR president and former senator Andrew Bartlett.
“We must learn the lessons of recent history. Our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan was disastrous, with untold lives lost and the Middle East left is ruins.
The John Howard style ‘captain’s call’ is no longer acceptable in a modern democracy like Australia.
All our representatives – MPs and Senators – must be given a say before we join overseas wars that often have nothing to do with Australia.
War Powers Reform would ensure that basic transparency and accountability is applied to these crucial decisions.
Sending ADF personnel to fight overseas is a grave decision which should not be taken in secret, behind closed doors, as has been the case in the past,” Mr Bartlett said.
War Powers Reform has overwhelming support in the community. A national Essential Research poll found 90% in favour. An earlier Roy Morgan survey found 83% in favour or reform.
