Aims to monitor international and national legislation and government policies and actions regarding matters of particular interest to Friends.
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Quaker Peace and Legislation Committee
Purpose
The Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee aims to monitor international and national legislation and government policies and actions regarding matters of particular interest to Friends. The purpose is to keep Quakers informed of issues by circulating briefing sheets indicating basic details and possible action by Friends locally and beyond. The committee can also make representations to government or parliament on behalf of Friends, or propose such action to the Presiding Clerk, Standing Committee or Yearly Meeting. The committee may initiate particular peace projects, including in cooperation with Regional Meetings, to enhance the involvement of Friends in peace concerns.
Militarisation of Education - Action Alert 24-2 (October 2024)
Information on current efforts to address the increasing militarisation of schools by various organisations.
AUKUS - Watching Brief 24-10 (October 2024)
Highlighting further concerns Quakers have about the emergence of the AUKUS trilateral military alliance between Australia, the US and UK.
QF24-1 Flutter - Arms Trade Exposition
Notice about the upcoming Land Forces Exposition in Melbourne promoting the arms trade, and what can be done to protest it.
From the River to the Sea - Watching Brief 24-8 (July 2024)
A background brief explaining the origins and significance of the phrase 'From the river to the sea' often used by Palestinian protesters.
Palestine - Action Alert 24-1 (July 2024)
Quakers condemn the devastating military action in Gaza and express their support for the Palestinian people affected by the war.
Human Rights Inquiry Report - Watching Brief 24-7 (June 2024)
Detailing progress towards an overhaul of Australia's human rights legislation.
Myanmar - Watching Brief 24-6 (March 2024)
Recent developments to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar are discussed.
Whistleblowers update - Watching Brief 24-5 (March 2024)
Update on attempts to strengthen protection for whistleblowers.
International Court of Justice judgement on Israel - Watching Brief 24-4 (February 2024)
The recent ICJ judgement on South Africa's genocide case against Israel is reviewed in this brief.
The Russian Ukraine War update - Watching Brief 24-3 (February 2024)
700 days since the conflict began, this brief provides an update on the Russian-Ukraine war.
Towards Peace for Korea (update) - Watching Brief 24-2 (February 2024)
A summary and update on the prospects for peace in Korea 70 years after the armistice.
The Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Watching Brief 24-1 (February 2024)
This Brief covers the moves being made in Australia to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Update: Youth and Crime - Watching Brief 23-7 (December 2023)
This Watching Brief on increasing the age of criminal responsibility updates the QPLC Action Alert 20-3: Age of Criminal Responsibility. This has been an ongoing concern of the committee.
Immigration detention - Action Alert 23-6 (December 2023)
Summary of recent developments in immigration detention in Australia and how Quakers can respond.
Israel and Palestine - Action Alert 23-5 (November 2023)
Quakers are demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, and urging members to email parliamentarians about the grave situation there.
Towards Peace for Korea - Watching Brief 23-6 (September 2023)
Regarding Korea, this Brief draws together the background to the current situation, and identifies possible avenues for building peace.
QF23-9 Flutter - Force Posture Agreement
Article about the US military strategy of securing corridors and lily pads in countries like Australia for future forward deployments.
QF23-8 Flutter - Teachers for Peace
Outline of Teachers for Peace anti-war agenda.
AUKUS Talk by Allan Behm - Action Alert 23-4 (July 2023)
A summary of the talk given by Allan Behm on the AUKUS alliance at the 2023 Yearly Meeting (see next item).
Video of Share and Tell session on AUKUS
A recording of a presentation by Allan Behm of The Australia Institute and general discussion of the AUKUS decision and its implications for Australia and the Pacific.
Australia and Palestine - Watching Brief 23-5 (July 2023)
What changes have occurred since last year's election in regard to Australia's stance on Palestine, particularly in light of the violent clashes in the West Bank and Gaza?
QF23-7 Flutter - Refugees - speech by Peter Shergold
Summary of speech for World Refugee Day.
Julian Assange - Action Alert 23-3 (June 2023)
For World Whistleblower Day, here is an update on efforts to free Julian Assange.
Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty - Watching Brief 23-4 (June 2023)
Further update on moves to ban nuclear weapons in a time of heightened geopolitical tension.
The Militarisation of Foreign Policy - Watching Brief 23-3 (May 2023)
The rapid moves to expand the military aspects of Australia’s foreign policy are deeply concerning. This brief offers some reflections on the changes that are occurring and what can be done to counter them.
Australia's Potential Human Rights Act - Action Alert 23-2 (May 2023)
Briefing on the Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights, which is considering submissions on whether a federal Human Rights Act should be enacted, and what it might look like.
QF23-6 Flutter - IPAN Pacific Peace Speaking Tour
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) and the Pacific Peace Network are co-hosting this speaking tour and one-day conference to coincide with the largest ever Talisman Sabre Exercise.
QF23-5 Flutter - Talisman Sabre military exercises
Details of this year's Talisman Sabre military exercises, and what can be done to protest against them.
QF23-4 Flutter - Josh Wilson MP on AUKUS
Asking questions about the AUKUS alliance.
QF23-3 Flutter - Australian Human Rights Act
Further moves are being made to devise a national Human Rights Act.
QF23-2 Flutter - High Seas Treaty
Summary of the High Seas Treaty recently agreed by the UN to protect marine life and other matters of significance.
War Propaganda and AUKUS - Action Alert 23-1 (March 2023)
Update on the recent AUKUS alliance announcement by the leaders of Australia, the US and UK.
Religious Education Consultation ALRC - Watching Brief 23-2 (February 2023)
Commentary on the points raised in the Australian Law Reform Commission's paper on religious education issues, as part of its current consultation process on the possible removal of exemptions from discrimination provisions enjoyed by religious schools.
QF23-1 Flutter - QUNO opportunities
Inviting applications for two positions as Program Assistants at the Quaker United Nations Office in New York.
Biodiversity Convention - Watching Brief 23-1 (January 2023)
This Brief reports on the recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference held in Montreal Canada, the outcomes, and the implications for Australia. It also highlights non-governmental initiatives like the Biodiversity Council, and the work of Quakers.
Foreign and Defence Policies - IPAN Report - Watching Brief 22-5 (December 2022)
This Brief explains the main points of the IPAN Report on attitudes to foreign and defence policies and suggests options for reflection and action.
QF22-8 Flutter - IPAN report released
Noting the release of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) People’s Inquiry into the Australia-US alliance.
Defence Strategic Review 2022 Submission by Quakers Australia
Submission by the Quaker Peace and Legislation Committee on behalf of Australian Quakers.
National Anti-Corruption Commission - Action Alert 22-5 (October 2022)
This alert provides details of the Government's proposed National Anti-Corruption Commission, along with media commentary pieces and parliamentarians who can be lobbied on the matter.
QF22-7 Flutter - Death penalty
This flutter is an update based on a recent meeting of the DFAT Death Penalty Consultative Group.
Immigration Detention - Action Alert 22-4 (August 2022)
An update on the latest moves to abolish off-shore detention.
Anti-Protest Laws in Australia - Watching Brief 22-4 (July 2022)
There has been a trend for governments globally and in Australia to implement stronger sanctions against the right of protest. This Brief looks at current examples and ways to respond creatively.
Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Update - Watching Brief 22-3 (July 2022)
Brief updating progress on implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017.
QF22-6 Flutter - Global Peace index
Summarises the findings of the latest Global Peace index.
Sri Lankan Crisis - Action Alert 22-3 (July 2022)
Information on the situation in Sri Lanka and ways of responding to the crisis.
QF22-3 Flutter - Federal Government Ministers
List of Ministers in the new Albanese government.
Israel-Palestine - Watching Brief 22-2 (June 2022)
Recent developments in the conflict over Palestine are the subject of this brief.
QF22-2 What next - Federal Election 2022
Advice on preparing for the upcoming Federal Election.
Ukraine - Watching Brief 22-1 (April 2022)
Summary and analysis of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and Quaker responses.
QF22-1 Refugees (February 2022).docx
Update to Watching Brief 21-7 on the status of refugees currently in Australian detention.
State Capture - Corrupting Democracy - Action Alert 22-2 (February 2022).docx
This Alert outlines the emerging concern about the undermining of our democracy by corrupt influence on government, and summarises relevant reports.
National Action Plan for Women - Action Alert 22-1 (January 2022)
Notice about Quakers making a submission to the Government's draft National Action Plan for Women.
Quaker submission to Religious Discrimination Bill Inquiry (January 2022)
Expressing the objections of Australian Quakers to the proposed bill.
Religious Discrimination Bill - Action Alert 21-4 (December 2021)
Further information about the Government's proposed Religious Discrimination Bill, and objections to it, is included.
No AUKUS action weekend - Action Alert 21-3 (December 2021)
Information about the many rallies planned for 10-12 December 2021 to protest the AUKUS alliance, nuclear submarines and the march to war.
QF21-2c Flutter - IPAN Inquiry Interim report
Interim report released into the costs of Australia's alliance with the United States.
Australia and the Pacific - Watching Brief 21-11 (October 2021)
This Brief deals with the issues facing the people of the Pacific, and the links between them and Australia’s policies.
Quaker Submission on Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval Overseas Service) Bill
Quakers support the right of Parliament to be formally consulted prior to any overseas deployment of troops.
QPLC IPAN People's Enquiry submission on AUKUS (October 2021)
Submission expressing Quakers' opposition to the announcement of the AUKUS Defence Partnership.
Government Surveillance - Watching Brief 21-10 (September 2021)
Recently the Parliament passed legislation that increases the capacity of the federal government’s security agencies to access and manipulate the electronic data of any citizen. This Brief outlines the legislation and discusses the responses.
Defence Amendment Bill - Action Alert 21-2 (September 2021)
Senator Steele-John has introduced a bill to require Parliament to approve sending Australian service people into combat. This Alert provides information on how submissions can be made to the Senate enquiry into the bill.
AUKUS Defence Partnership - Watching Brief 21-9 (September 2021)
A new tripartite defence alliance has been formed. In this Watching Brief QPLC will summarise what we currently understand about the AUKUS partnership and what actions Friends may wish to take.
QF21-4 Flutter - Afghanistan (September 2021)
Information about refugee policy and organisations trying to assist Afghans to come to Australia.
Afghanistan and Australia - Watching Brief 21-8 (August 2021)
The fall of the government of Afghanistan has generated much consternation and alarm within and beyond the country. The future under Taliban control is fraught with danger for many. This brief gives some background and commentary on the situation.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers - Watching Brief 21-7 (July 2021)
This Brief deals with some of the creative responses to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers who have been stranded in detention by the excessive harshness of the Australian policies on border control.
QPLC IPAN People's Enquiry submission (July 2021)
Submission to the IPAN People's Enquiry on rethinking Australia's relationship with the United States.
QF21-2b Flutter - IPAN extension
Instructions on how to make a submission to the Independent and Peaceful Network (IPAN) People's Enquiry before the closing date on 16 August 2021.
Arms Trade in Australia Update - Watching Brief 21-6 (July 2021)
Watching Brief 17-5 on Australia and the global arms trade detailed Australia’s moves to enhance its contribution to that trade. This update outlines further investments, and gives some analysis and comment.
Second National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security - Watching Brief 21-5 (May 2021)
This Watching Brief provides information about an important driver of Australian Government policy and program development on issues of women, peace and security between 2021 and 2031.
Federal Budget - Watching Brief 21-4 (May 2021)
The Federal Government’s latest Budget was presented to Parliament on 11 May 2021. This Brief outlines significant areas of expenditure included in the Budget, and responses to it.
QPLC Virtual Vigil Guidelines 2021
QPLC has developed guidelines for virtual vigils, which may be of use for people seeking to organise such events.
Parliamentary Group on the Nuclear Treaty - Watching Brief 21-3 (April 2021)
Quakers are asked to provide encouragement to the newly-formed all-party Parliamentary group in support of the Nuclear Prohibition Treaty.
Persecution of Whistleblowers - Action Alert 21-1 (April 2021)
This Alert draws attention to the urgency of protests to the new Attorney-General to drop the prosecutions of Bernard Collaery (lawyer) and Witness K (former intelligence official) under national security laws, for revealing that the Australian Government bugged government offices in East Timor during negotiations over the natural gas field development in 2004.
Australia's Electoral System - Watching Brief 21-2 (January 2021)
This Brief outlines the outcome of a recent Parliamentary report which raises challenging questions. It proposes abolishing compulsory preferential voting, adding a requirement for ID at polling booths, reducing controls on media commentary, and playing down the impact of political donations on the democratic process.
Australia and China - Watching Brief 21-1 (January 2021)
The relationship between Australia and China is at a serious point of conflict. This report describes and analyses of some of the critical factors involved, and ideas about a way forward.
The Future of Palestine - Watching Brief 20-12 (December 2020)
This Brief looks at the trends affecting Palestine and particularly the two-state solution that has long been advocated.
IPAN Inquiry - Action Alert 20-7 (December 2020)
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) is to launch an Inquiry ‘exploring the case for an independent and peaceful Australia’. This Alert provides some information about the inqury, and how people can make submissions.
Commonwealth Integrity Commission - Action Alert 20-6 (November 2020)
The Federal Government has released its draft legislation for the creation of a national integrity commission, following many years of public debate. This Brief outlines the proposed terms for the body, and some initial reactions. It suggests action that can be taken in response.
Peace Through Diplomacy - Watching Brief 20-11 (October 2020)
This Brief looks at the origins of Quaker diplomacy and peacemaking, the current trends in global diplomacy, and the prospects of its re-emergence as a major means for achieving peace.
Human Rights in the Philippines - Watching Brief 20-10 (October 2020)
The deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines (under the guise of a 'War on Drugs') is the focus of this brief.
Foreign Relations Bill - Watching Brief 20-9 (September 2020)
This Brief refers to current legislation before Parliament to ensure that any arrangements made between foreign governments and Australian States, Territories, councils and universities are consistent with Australian foreign policy. The responses of various groups are given, and suggestions for action.
United Nations 75th Anniversary - Watching Brief 20-8 (September 2020)
This brief outlines the range of activities undertaken by the United Nations at its 75th anniversary and the involvement and support provided to the UN within Australia and globally.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees - Action Alert 20-4 (September 2020)
This action alert identifies the key issues surrounding the status of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, the role of the Australian Government and organisations involved in these issues.
Higher Education Support Enquiry - Action Alert 20-5 (September 2020)
Urgent call for submissions to the Senate enquiry on changes to higher education fees currently in progress.
Australia and the UN Human Rights Council - Watching Brief 20-7 (August 2020)
This brief covers recent Australian participation as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the NGO submission (endorsed by Quakers) to the Council in advance of the regular review of Australia’s human rights record.
Quakers and Peace - Watching Brief 20-6 (July 2020)
This Brief deals with the origins and development of the Quaker Peace Testimony over the years since Quakers began as a movement in the mid-17th century in England. It points to areas of recent thought and action among Quakers, and offers ideas for personal and group witness.
Age of Criminal Responsibility - Action Alert 20-3 (July 2020)
This Alert refers to proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. It is being considered by all governments in Australia.
Commission for the Human Future - Watching Brief 20-5 (June 2020)
This Brief outlines the formation and plans of the Commission for the Human Future, a group of eminent academics and scientists concerned about the many dangers facing humanity, and identifies ways in which Friends can support its vision.
ASIO BIll - Action Alert 20-2 (June 2020)
This Alert draws attention to the recent legislation amending the ASIO Act, offers some analysis and comment, and gives information on where advocacy can be pursued.
Documents in Advance - 2020 QPLC Report
Summary of the Committee's activities, for consideration at Quaker Yearly Meeting.
Death Penalty - Watching Brief 20-4 (April 2020)
The imposition of the death penalty remains a significant challenge to Quakers and others committed to restorative and nonviolent approaches to crime and punishment. The Australian Government has now become more active in promoting abolition of the death penalty around the world. This Brief outlines what is being done by government and NGOs.
Government Accountability - Watching Brief 20-3 (February 2020)
Secrecy and unwillingness to admit mistakes seriously impairs the accountability of government. This Brief looks at the current situation federally, the avenues for accountability and transparency, and what might be done to restore confidence in democracy.
Bushfires enquiry - Action Alert 20-1 (February 2020)
Information for people wishing to make a submission to Parliament's enquiry into the recent bushfire crisis.
Myanmar and the Rohinga Genocide - Letter to the PM (February 2020)
The Presiding Clerk has written to the Prime Minister urging support for the International Court of Justice's findings against Myanmar's prosecution of the Rohinga people.
Response to the revised Religious Discrimination Bill 2020 (January 020)
Letter from the Presiding Clerk to the Government expressing Australian Quaker's continuing objections to the revised Religious Discrimination Bill.
Australian Defence review Nov 2019 - Watching Brief 20-2 (January 2020)
Summary of the recent Australian Defence review published in November 2019, and Quaker's response to ongoing geopolitical instability.
UNHRC Sept 2019 meeting - Watching Brief 20-1 (January 2020)
Summary of Australian submissions on a range of human rights issues to the UN Human Rights Commission meeting, Sept 2019.
Letter to Prime Minister Morrison - DFAT Funding Decline (December 2019)
Quakers urge the government to restore funding to DFAT and Australia's overseas aid programs.
Australian Quakers express deep concern at the US Government's recognition of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Sustainable Development Goals - Watching Brief 19-9 (October 2019)
The aim of this brief is to provide an update on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and suggested topics for correspondence to, or meetings with, Members of Parliament.
ABC Legislation - Action Alert 19-9 (August 2019)
Legislation is currently before Parliament to add further pressure on the ABC by extending its regional coverage without sufficient extra funding. Legislation is also foreshadowed to require ‘fair and balanced’ reporting. This Alert suggests action that might be taken.
Lethal Autonomous Weapons - update - Watching Brief 19-8 (August 2019)
The current integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is particularly concerning with lethal autonomous weapons systems without human control on the horizon. *Update to Watching Brief 19-2*
Statement by Churches in West Papua calling for military to leave region and Letter from Presiding Clerk regarding West Papua violence
The outbreak of violent confrontations in West Papua is condemned by the Ecumenical Forum of Churches in Papua in this statement, along with a letter of support from the Quaker Presiding Clerk to the National Council of Churches in Australia.
QPLC Freedom of Religion Legislation submission (October 2019)
Submission addressing the Government's package of religious freedom legislation currently before Parliament.
Climate Emergency, Supporting Pacific Voices - Action Alert 19-8 (September 2019)
This Alert draws attention to the recent Pacific Islands Forum and the concerns of Pacific nations about how seriously climate change is affecting them and their future. It suggests action within Australia to support those concerns.
Social Defence, an update - Watching Brief 19-7 (August 2019)
This is an update on Watching Brief 17-1 about social defence. A book has now been published by Jergen Johansen and Brian Martin on the subject, and this Brief covers their analysis and ideas about how a nonviolent approach to defence could work in our world.
Self-determination for West Papua - Action Alert 19-7 (September 2019)
This Alert follows recent nonviolent demonstrations in West Papua for a vote on independence. It draws attention to an appeal for outside support for the people there in their struggle for self-determination after many years of Indonesian rule.
Protecting Whistleblowers - Watching Brief 19-6 (August 2019)
The perils facing those who reveal information that the public has the right to know are highlighted by recent raids on journalists and prosecution of whistleblowers. This Brief outlines the legal situation and offers ideas on possible action.
Foreign Fighters - Action Alert 19-6 (August 2019)
Federal Parliament has now passed laws to give the Government power to deny Australian citizens (from 14 upwards) who are living in camps in Syria, having been involved with ISIS, the right of re-entry to Australia for up to two years. This Alert explains the current situation, the legislation, and possible responses.
Iran-United States Conflict - Action Alert 19-5 (July 2019)
Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating. It is time for all who work for peace to speak out against this possibility. This Alert offers some background and points that can be taken up with our political representatives.
Morrison's second ministry - Watching Brief 19-5 (June 2019)
Summary of Ministerial and bureaucratic changes made following the recent election of the Morrison government.
Update on Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Campaigns - Watching Brief 19-4 (June 2019)
QPLC is re-issuing our 2013 Watching Brief on BDS, with a short update, to contribute to the AYM discernment process with regard to Quaker withdrawal from any investments which might support Israel's occupation of Palestine.
Julian Assange Letter to Prime Minister Morrison, 30 May 2019
Letter to the PM requesting extra consular assistance for Julian Assange.
Quaker United Nations Office - Watching Brief 19-3 (May 2019)
Quakers have for many years had a presence at the United Nations to contribute to its multilateral peacemaking role. This Brief outlines the current work of QUNO and how Australian Friends can keep in touch.
Lethal Autonomous Weapons - Watching Brief 19-2 (May 2019)
The emergence of new technology in autonomous weapons systems ("killer robots") raises many issues. This Brief outlines the current trends and how Australian Friends might respond.
Human Rights Defenders - Watching Brief 19-1 (April 2019)
Human rights defenders are people who act to promote or protect human rights. They can be journalists, environmentalists, whistle-blowers, and so on. Margaret Clark of QPLC attended a DFAT human rights forum for NGOs, and she reports on the background to that work and the emerging challenges, and action being taken.
War Memorial Expansion - Action Alert 19-4 (April 2019)
The Australian War Memorial has become a focus for considerable concern as it seeks substantial expansion of its museum spaces. This Alert outlines the plans and the responses and suggests ways to follow up the issues involved.
Medical Evacuation of Refugees - Action Alert 19-3 (March 2019)
This Alert summarises the legislation passed by the Parliament in February facilitating the evacuation of refugees from off-shore detention to Australia on medical grounds - legislation which was bitterly opposed by the Government.
Letter to PM regarding the US pulling out of the INF Treaty (February 2019)
The United States has pulled out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia; the Presiding Clerk has written to the Prime Minister expressing Quakers' regret and dismay at this action and asking that he urge the US to reverse the decision.
ALP Conference decisions on Foreign Policy - Action Alert (January 2019)
Summary of decisions passed at the ALP National Conference of interest to Quakers.
Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty Support - Letter to Bill Shorten (January 2019)
The ALP's support for the treaty to ban nuclear weapons is welcomed in this letter to Bill Shorten.
Letter to the Prime Minister about moving the Australian Embassy to Jerusalem
This letter argues against the Government's revised policy of recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Militarisation of Universities - Action Alert 18-5 (October 2018)
The armaments industry pervades many areas of political and economic/social life today. This Brief looks at the implications for teaching and research at our universities, and suggests questions that need to be raised.
International Criminal Court - Watching Brief 18-6 (October 2018)
The International Criminal Court has been in the news lately. This Brief looks at the origins, activities and shortcomings of the Court and examines the ways in which it might be strengthened.
Arms Race in Space - Watching Brief 18-5 (September 2018)
Recent moves by the US President to establish a Space Force represent a significant challenge to the peaceful uses of outer space. This Brief looks at current trends and identifies issues relevant to the peace movement.
Palestinian Refugees and UNRWA - Action Alert 18-4 (September 2018)
The US Government has decided to cut funding support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) within 30 days, with severe consequences for Palestinian refugees, some of the most marginalized people.
Refugees and UNHCR - Watching Brief 18-4 (August 2018)
Summary of the UN High Commissioner on Refugees' recent draft Global Compact on Refugees.
Letter to the Prime Minister re: the Uluru Statment from the heart
The Presiding Clerk has written to the Prime Minister expressing Quakers' disappointment at the federal government's poor response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Media Release on the Proposed Expansion of Australia's Arms Trade
Quakers strongly disapprove of the federal government's plans to underwrite a $3.8 billion expansion of Australia's arms export trade.
Foreign Influence - Watching Brief 18-3 (July 2018)
Summary of three pieces of legislation designed to curb foreign influence in Australia's affairs, and Quaker concerns about them.
Watching Brief WB18-2 - North Korea-United States Summit (June 2018)
Text of the statement by US President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un after their summit in Singapore, and reporting of the reactions of world leaders to the summit.
Australia's Aid Program - QPLC Submission to Inquiry (June 2018)
This submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into Australia's Aid Program outlines Quakers' approach to the issue of aid and responds to the Inquiry's specific terms of reference.
Statement to Religous Freedom Inquiry (May 2018)
Oral statement by David Purnell in support of the Quaker submission to the Religous Freedom Inquiry being conducted by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
Action Alert AA18-2 - Gun Control in Australia (April 2018)
This Alert follows one in July 2016 on this subject (16-07). There have been recent moves to increase pressure to water down gun laws in Australia. A summary of this is given, along with suggested action in response
Watching Brief WB18-1 - Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty (April 2018)
This Brief is based on a workshop held by QPLC in Canberra in late March 2018, attended by 20 Quakers from around Australia. The workshop took the nuclear weapons ban treaty as a focus for lobbying politicians at Parliament House on 27 March.
Letter to Prime Minister: Alarm over Australia's policy to increase role in international arms trade
This new policy to increase Australia's role in the international arms trade greatly threatens decades of careful peacebuilding work.
-- Includes briefings on issues such as gun control, freedom of speech, national security laws, treatment of refugee children in detention, the South China Sea conflict, reflections on Anzac Day, and more.