The event showcased the growing momentum within the anti-war movement, demonstrating that collective action and dialogue are essential in addressing the challenges posed by the AUKUS pact.
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This event was a reminder that it is incumbent upon us — activists, scholars, and indeed you, reading this — to stop the self-fulfilling prophecy of war that AUKUS demands.
Protesters gathered outside Fisher Library to oppose the deal, demanding funding be redirected to adequately finance social services.
The letter focussed on AUKUS’ cost, and its likely inadequacy by the time its nuclear submarines are delivered.
“I, like many of you, potentially hoped that the Albanese Labor government would not follow in the footsteps of Scott Morisson. But it did, and this new government is taking us in the opposite direction of what so many of us want — a nuclear-free and an independent foreign and defence policy.”
We have a duty to refuse the government the ability to sweep this new drive to war under the rug, and that must eventuate as a large-scale peoples’ power movement which puts power back into the majority’s hands. A long-haul effort some might say, but a worthy one nonetheless if students wish to have any say in the matter of militarism, welfare, health, and education.
Despite ongoing calls to remove weapons manufacturing from universities, the Government has pledged funding for Commonwealth-supported places to support AUKUS.
“The Go8 and Universities Australia’s commitment to AUKUS and the submarine program is condemning the next generation of students to building for, fighting and dying in a war that is against the interests of ordinary people.”
The government could have invested this money into building affordable housing, moving towards renewable energy sources, or working towards alleviating basic problems like poverty and homelessness — this is the true cost of AUKUS.
The deal procures up to eight nuclear-powered vessels and increases naval cooperation between the countries, with Australia to spend $9b over the next four years.
