Australian Quakers Call for Justice, Peace, and Environmental Action at Yearly Meeting

Australian Quakers Call for Justice, Peace, and Environmental Action at Yearly Meeting

At the national gathering of Australian Quakers, held from July 6-13, 2024, the community expressed deep concerns over pressing issues including First Nations rights, climate change, the Israel-Palestine conflict, militarism, and nuclear disarmament. We issued the following statement at the end of our proceedings: 

Public Statements 2024

• July 2024 - Yearly Meeting Statement adopted 13 July 2024

Quakers mourned the failure of the referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution, emphasising the importance of Indigenous Australians having a say in laws and policies that impact them. They reaffirmed their commitment to learning from First Nations peoples and called for the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to facilitate agreement-making and truth-telling.

In response to the climate emergency, Quakers adopted an Action Plan, urging the Australian government to end support for new gas and coal projects, enact comprehensive environmental protection laws, and advocate for Pacific Island nations in global forums. They acknowledged recent government steps but stressed that more urgent action is needed to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown.

Quakers also voiced deep grief over the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians, condemning the violence in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire. They urged the Australian government to take stronger actions, including recalling the Australian Ambassador to Israel and ending military ties with the Israeli government.

The statement also addressed the rising militarism in Australia, expressing concern over increased military spending and the influence of arms companies in educational institutions. Quakers called for a shift in focus from preparations for war to peace-building and climate action.

Finally, Quakers reiterated their long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons, calling on the Australian government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and distance itself from the US nuclear deterrence policy.

Through these statements, Australian Quakers reaffirm our dedication to justice, peace, and the integrity of public office, urging the government to adopt policies that reflect these values.