MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 6 August 2021
This Hiroshima Day, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) calls on the Australian Government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and remove foreign military bases that contribute to nuclear proliferation.
On this day 76 years ago an American B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan, instantly killing nearly 80,000 people. Three days later Nagasaki was similarly bombed killing 40,000 people.
However, the enduring and horrific damage that came from the use of nuclear weapons was not enough to prevent their proliferation. In fact, we have seen an integration of nuclear arsenals into militaries, raising the threat of conventional conflicts turning nuclear.
The TPNW is perhaps the best chance the world has to prevent the use of nuclear weapons in the future. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has explicitly said they have not signed this Treaty as it would be “inconsistent with our U.S. alliance obligations.”
This is largely due to the U.S. use of Australian territory to operate military bases, specifically in Pine Gap and the North West Cape, that collect intelligence on nuclear targets and are capable of detecting and destroying other countries’ weapon systems.
Annette Brownlie, Chairperson of IPAN: “Any alliance that requires the proliferation of nuclear weapons to survive is not one that prioritises the safety and best interests of the Australian people.”
“The Government, on today of all days, needs to behave like a responsible and peaceful member of the region, take the lead from our sister nation New Zealand, sign the Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons.”
“To perpetuate the threat of nuclear apocalypse for the sake of a few U.S. military bases few Australians want is unconscionable.”
—–ENDS—–
IPAN Media Liaison: 0428 973 324 or ipan.australia@gmail.com
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