MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 1 Sep. 2021
70 years on the ANZUS Treaty is dangerous, ineffective and needs to be changed
- IPAN calls for Royal Commission to examine Australia’s alliance with the U.S.
- The U.S. alliance and the ANZUS Treaty does
not protect Australians or the country’s interests, rather, the contrary is the case. - Recent events in Afghanistan show the need to re-evaluate the U.S. alliance
Today marks the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, a document that has formed the basis of the U.S.-Australian relationship, one which gives undue deference to U.S. interests and has led Australia into numerous unwanted conflicts.
The Independent and Peaceful Australian Network (IPAN) urges the Australian Government on this anniversary to reconsider the relevance of this treaty in 2021 and calls for a Royal Commission to examine Australia’s alliance with the U.S.
Over the past 70 years Australia has followed the U.S. into wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Syria Afghanistan and Iraq. Collectively these wars have cost millions of lives and billions of dollars. Recently, it has also led Australia to needless and dangerous patrols in the Straits of Hormuz and the South China Sea.
The integration or interoperability of U.S. military personnel and assets with our military impedes Australia’s ability to play an independent role in the Asia/Pacific region and has cost billions, compromising funding of social needs and climate change.
Kellie Tranter, IPAN spokesperson, said: “What did we gain from following the U.S. into war after war? Are we safer? Did we make the world a better place? The answer is clear, nothing. War is a failure of politics. We need to focus on diplomacy and peace as the priority.”
“Successive governments unwillingness or inability to develop Australian foreign policy beyond marching in lockstep with the U.S. now makes a major rethink a necessity.”
“Australia must develop a foreign policy which fosters friendly relations with neighbouring countries, addresses climate change, avoids bloodshed and respects human rights. These aims cannot be achieved while maintaining the current subservient relationship with the U.S.”
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IPAN Media Liaison: 0428 973 324 or ipan.australia@gmail.com