National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST

The dangerous world of AUKUS, US military occupation and suppression of dissent

Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action

Speakers: Former Sen. Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna ,Arthur Rorris ,Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge,

Facilitator Kelley Tranter.

An Australian Police Force unit has been created which will impact on protesting against AUKUS

The AUKUS AFP Command has been established under the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in conjunction with the Department of Defence. The AUKUS AFP Command’s powers cover the security of AUKUS operations, extending to wider US military activity elsewhere. Its activities are of considerable concern since among its roles is “Public Order Management” listing of “munitions” which include tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and real firearms.

Is this the Australia we want for ourselves, our children and the world?

Since 2003 and 9/11 a raft of laws have been passed by successive Australian governments attacking our civil and democratic rights, including freedom of speech and political protest. Some of these laws have been used against the environment movement.

More laws have been passed recently aimed at suppressing the huge upsurge of outrage against Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including draconian anti-protest laws in several states, and “hate laws” by the Federal Government.

More widely, protests are arising from concern with the huge diversion of public money for the AUKUS war pact and its nuclear submarines away from urgent social needs including the climate crisis. Communities and environmentalists are concerned with nuclear exposures. There is growing opposition to AUKUS embedding Australia in another US-led war, possibly a nuclear war.

These public concerns extend to the increasing US military footprint across Australia, enabled by the 2014 Force Posture Agreement.

Australian people have a proud history spanning 170 years of collectively on mass opposing and defying oppressive anti-democratic laws. From the 1854 Eureka rebellion, the countless strikes by workers and their unions, against conscription and unjust wars, against the Vietnam and Iraq wars, and defending the environment.

Join this webinar, ask questions, discuss action.

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