Politics in the Pub: What AUKUS means for Fremantle and Cockburn Sound

*This is a free event. Please provide an RSVP so we can have an idea of numbers and prepare accordingly. Be sure to arrive before 7pm. The venue has a limited capacity. While the hallway is a great place to make friends, we'd love to have you in the room with us.*

The huge AUKUS project promises much for Fremantle and Cockburn Sound. It is supported by both major parties. Billions of dollars and thousands of local jobs are touted to pour into our region . Moveover, unlike mining, it is presumed that defence is not subject to booms and busts, so local businesses will be provided with certainty.However, AUKUS has its critics. They highlight the impact that dredging and infrastructure work will have on the Sound’s marine ecology. Then there's the risk of radioactive exposure, and the issue of the storage of low level waste on Garden Island from nuclear powered submarines. Would the proximity of such major assets make Fremantle a target in the event of a war? A key question from these groups is whether community and environmental health, safety and security are worth sacrificing for the promise of money and jobs. All this in the absence of social licence and free prior informed consent from the Traditional Owners.So, what will be the impacts – positive and negative - of AUKUS on Fremantle and Cockburn Sound? 

The Fremantle Network invite you to join us to the pub to discuss this important topic.

Featuring:

- Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge. Back from her trip to the U.S., Mayor Fitzhardinge will discuss what AUKUS means for Fremantle.

- Paul Myler, Former Deputy Chief of Mission, Australian Embassy, Washington. From 2019, Ambassador Myler supported Ambassadors Hockey, Sinodinos and Rudd through the major geopolitical and economic shifts of the last five years, including the founding of AUKUS. While we intend the night to focus on Fremantle and Cockburn Sound, Ambassador Myler can speak on geopolitical and strategic questions beyond our backyard. 

- Brendan Moore. A Whadjuk man and traditional owner, Brendan is the former chair of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. He will share with us the traditional and lasting significance of the region under discussion.

- Phoebe Corke. A Cockburn resident, educator, musician and former journalist, Phoebe is a lifelong anti-nuclear campaigner. You may have read her recent article in the Herald, "A Place Where I Once Felt Safe." While Phoebe is also a Cockburn councillor, she joins us to share her personal views, and will not be speaking on behalf of the council or the City.

- Matt Hudson. Commodore Hudson has served for 44 years as an engineer officer in the Royal Australian Navy, in a variety of sea and shore positions, including in ship building and ship maintenance. He is the current Head of Technical Division at the Australian Submarine Agency.- 

With Fremantle Community Citizen of the Year and Fremantle Network organiser Christian Mauri as MC.

In organising this event we have been in contact with many relevant parties. Stop AUKUS WA's Freo and Cockburn Sound campaigners have elected to have a right of response from the floor.

The rest is up to you! Spread the word. Come along. Have a pint. Make a mate. Learn. Consider. Share. Connect. See you at the Local!