FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE 9 April 2026
Media Interviews: Bevan Ramsden M: 0418 697 528
Media Liaison: Jonathan Pilbrow M: 0403 611 815
• IPAN welcomes the ceasefire between the United States, Iran, and Israel, but stresses the urgent need for a lasting, negotiated solution for peace across the Middle East.
• Grave concern is raised by Israel’s declaration that the ceasefire will not extend to Lebanon, threatening regional stability and humanitarian efforts.
• Prime Minister Albanese’s recent comments, challenging US rhetoric, signal a small but important step towards Australia’s independent foreign policy.
• It is imperative that Australia fully disengages from the US alliance, which undermines national sovereignty and diverts focus from true national security priorities.
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) commends Australia’s recent resistance to US President Donald Trump’s pressure for deeper military engagement in the Middle East.[i]
This stance, further underscored by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s critical remarks regarding the potential for damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran and the broader economic impact of escalation, represents a vital, albeit initial, step towards an independent foreign policy.
‘As the Prime Minister stated, such escalation would have led to ’greater global economic damage’[ii].
While IPAN welcomes the announced ceasefire between the United States, Iran, and Israel, ‘IPAN is profoundly concerned by Israel’s immediate declaration that this ceasefire will not apply to Lebanon’, stated Mr Bevan Ramsden, spokesperson for IPAN.
‘IPAN condemns Israel’s continuing attacks on Lebanon and its invasion land grab of south Lebanon’, said Mr Ramsden.
‘A partial ceasefire is not a pathway to peace; it merely shifts the theatre of conflict and prolongs suffering’, said Mr Ramsden.
‘IPAN urges all parties to commit to a comprehensive and lasting negotiated solution that includes Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, ensuring a peaceful future for the entire Middle East’, said Mr Ramsden.
Despite some positive signs of independent thought, Australia’s continued military entanglement with the United States remains a critical concern, continuing to compromise Australia’s sovereignty and make us a potential target in conflicts not of its making.
‘Australia, however, can be more self-sufficient and therefore more secure by refining our own product and re-establishing refining and storage facilities for holding the recommended 90 days of fuel for security against overseas disruptions’, said Mr Ramsden.
‘More broadly Australia should be looking to secure its vital resources and economic stability through its own initiatives as well as diversified partnerships, rather than through military alliances that draw it into distant conflicts’, he said.
‘It is increasingly clear that the United States, with its history of unilateral actions and disregard for international law, has become a dangerous ally’, said Mr Ramsden.
‘The time is now for Australia’s political leadership to courageously and strategically extract itself from this alliance’, said Mr Ramsden.
‘A future of genuine independence, peace, and self-reliance for Australia lies in strengthening regional ties, upholding international law, and prioritising the well-being of its citizens over the demands of a distant superpower’, said Mr Ramsden.
ENDS
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About IPAN: IPAN represent many organisations across Australia – community, faith and peace groups, trade unions – and concerned individuals aiming to build public dialogue and pressure for change to a truly independent foreign policy for Australia – one in which our government plays a positive role in solving international conflicts peacefully. www.ipan.org.au