In every country, people need peace with justice, not preparations for war.

Yet in Australia, the AUKUS agreement to supply this country with nuclear-powered submarines is incompatible with peace.

Planet earth is experiencing devastation from climate change. The world’s peoples face illness and death from pandemics. Around the globe, massive social and economic inequalities guarantee misery, violence and the mass migrations of refugees.

In response to these existential threats, the Australian people are told their security will be guaranteed by long range nuclear-powered submarines provided by other countries. The irrelevance and mediocrity of such plans persist because advocacy of peace is absent or not regarded as clever politics.

The AUKUS agreement concerns Australia’s capacity to join the US in aggressive actions, most likely towards China. Nuclear propelled submarines offer no special means for defending Australia. By acquiring them, Australia is declaring its willingness to engage in military aggression.

In the run up to a Federal election, voters must wonder why the enormous expense of purchasing these weapons of war is coming at the cost of neglecting much needed social programs. As an alternative to AUKUS, Australia could become known as a peace loving nation. There are ways to do this.

In every walk of life, in homes, in work places and in politics, the philosophy, language and practice of peace and diplomacy can influence private lives and national policies. In domestic and foreign policies, Australia could promote internationalism by generosity to poorer nations. Instead we see the selfishness of militarising borders to protect perceived national interests.

By dismissing out of date military alliances, Australians could contribute to their own security by promoting policies to achieve peace with justice. That creative, humanitarian goal would engender hope, foster mental and physical health, and become the means of ensuring survival and justice.

We call on all people to reject AUKUS and on the the Australian government to cancel the agreement.

We need passion for peace, not preparations for war.