Quakers taking action

Our Actions as Quakers: Committed to Justice, Peace, and Integrity

First Nations Concerns

Quakers are deeply saddened by the unsuccessful Referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution. We believe it is crucial for First Nations peoples to have a significant voice in the laws and policies that impact them. We are committed to learning from First Nations communities and engaging in truth-telling, truth-listening, and truth-acceptance, as well as decolonizing our thoughts, practices, and institutions.

Original Australians have never ceded sovereignty. We strongly urge the Government to establish a Makarrata Commission to oversee the process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and to ensure truth-telling about their history. Furthermore, we call on the Government to embed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Australian law.

We believe that fully implementing the Statement from the Heart would provide an effective mechanism for confronting the truth of our past and present, paving the way for lasting justice, healing, recovery, and right relations between all Australians.

Climate Emergency and Species Extinction

Quakers recognise that we are at a critical juncture — our last opportunity to take decisive action to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. As such, we have adopted an Action Plan to guide our collective and personal actions, recognising the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

While we welcome the Labor Government's positive steps, including emission targets, vehicle efficiency standards, and the promotion of solar energy, we believe more urgent actions are required. We call on the Government to:

• End all support for new gas and coal extraction, including eliminating fossil fuel industry subsidies.
• Enact all aspects of the proposed new Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, prioritising the inclusion of a 'climate trigger.'
• Strongly advocate for Pacific Island nations in global forums, including co-convening COP 31.

Palestine/Israel

Quakers mourn the longstanding injustices suffered by Palestinians due to the policies of the State of Israel. We are heartbroken by the extreme suffering and loss of life currently experienced in Gaza, inflicted by the Israeli military. Acknowledging the fear and historical trauma felt by people in both Palestine and Israel, we affirm the divine spark in every individual, whether victims or perpetrators of violence, and we seek justice, freedom, and peace for all.

We support the courageous efforts of Palestinians advocating for their freedom and Israeli conscientious objectors and solidarity campaigners. Quakers are committed to not only speaking out for Palestinian self-determination but also taking creative and courageous action to challenge our Government's complicity and stand with those who are suffering.

We call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and for the Australian Government to:

• Recall the Australian Ambassador to Israel for urgent discussions.
• Impose travel restrictions on Israeli Government officials involved in military actions.
• End all military ties with Israel, including ceasing arms sales and divesting from Israeli arms manufacturers.

Militarism

Quakers have a long-standing tradition of opposing war and seeking to eliminate its causes. We are deeply troubled by the increased military spending by our Federal Government, which appears to be part of a renewed global arms race. We have serious concerns about the AUKUS partnership, as it compromises Australia's sovereignty, contradicts the wishes of our Pacific neighbours, misuses public funds, and shifts our focus towards war rather than peace.

We support calls for Australian foreign policy to prioritise Human Security, including increasing foreign aid and strengthening diplomatic efforts.

We are also alarmed by the infiltration of militarism into educational institutions through STEM programs sponsored by the Department of Defence and arms companies. We oppose the marketing of war to children and advocate for increased government funding in education to promote peacebuilding and environmental stewardship.

Nuclear Weapons

Nuclear weapons pose a grave threat to all life on Earth. In alignment with international treaties signed by Australia, Quakers urge the Australian Government to demonstrate its commitment to nuclear disarmament by:

• Signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as per Labor policy.
• Revising our defence policy to distance Australia from U.S. extended nuclear deterrence.

Integrity

Quakers hold a deep concern for integrity, both personal and public. We call on all Governments to enact policies that ensure:

• Grants are awarded based on merit, not for political gain.
• Political donations are capped and declared in real time.
• The influence of industry on political decisions is limited, especially when public good or environmental well-being is at stake.
• Real consequences are imposed on politicians, senior public servants, or appointees found lacking in integrity.
• An end to time-wasting personal attacks under 'parliamentary privilege.'

We are dedicated to fostering a world where justice, peace, and integrity guide our actions and policies.