Defence

Like many other British colonies and staunch American allies we fought countless wars in order to satisfy their never-ending appetites for wealth and power. Our brave troops killed thousands of people on many continents in the name of freedom, friendship, democracy and other beautiful words which often had nothing to do with the cynical truth. Our truth is simple – war only creates death and misery for all of us, and never solves any problems! We’re determined to end this age of killing, devastation, greed and hatred! We beg history for forgiveness and apologize to all of our former and current enemies for the harm and misery we caused. 

The entire history of mankind proves that it is impossible to achieve peace when the world is divided in blocks or superpowers. Having strategic advantage in any kind of power or weapons does not guarantee peace nor security, but strengthens the appetite of those who want to rule the world.

It is more than certain that in any large scale armed conflict there will be no winners. We have just started to realize how fragile our environment is. From this perspective any large scale nuclear, chemical or biological warfare will totally destroy our habitat and spell the end of our civilization, disregarding how advanced we think it is.

Until now many believed that attack (or “pre-emptive strike”) is the best form of “defence” and sent our military men overseas to fight wars which had little or nothing to do with our own security or defence. Despite their heroism and sacrifice we have been often referred to as aggressors and invaders, not liberators. We have no intention to rewrite our history but we would encourage some critical thinking of our past involvements and future objectives. Were our troops defending our country while fighting the Turks at Gallipoli (note: Gallipoli is in Turkey!)? Such a question may infuriate some, but may provide some “food for thought” for many others.

Today we are still considered a potential threat by many of our neighbours. Our ambition to play the role of regional sheriff (i.e. local US deputy) is a serious concern for many governments. Our military expenditure is frightening too – it actually equals the combined military expenditure of all other countries in the region (i.e.: New Zealand + PNG + Fiji + Indonesia + Malaysia + Philippines + Thailand + Vietnam + Cambodia + Laos).

Contrary to our present militaristic euphoria we intend to convert Australia into a regional model for peace and democracy, which shall be a good example for many of our neighbours to follow, and not destroy or invade. The possibility of such invasion is nothing more than excuse for some warmongers filling the coffins of the arms producers or dreaming about new empires. One needs to go back to school if he believes that any of our neighbours has the military means, motives or intention of conquering our land. Even if this is somehow possible is the world going to accept it?

As a commitment to the above statements we intend to disarm and disband the entire Australian Army, Navy, Air Force and its Defence department within our first year of government. This will be a huge saving in our over-stretched budget, which will foster many of the humanitarian initiatives outlined in our policies. We prefer to spend money on education, teaching our children how to be good diplomats, instead of arming them and sending them to war. Such move will also enhance our position in Asia, UN and the world, convincing many opponents that we can be worthy partners.

Our lack of interest in the armed forces does not mean we are going to abandon our military men and waste their talent and skills. We shall offer them many civilian alternatives, as well as training and other support. Our government will guarantee their current incomes for a period of 10 years after termination of service. Many of them may discover new challenges in the National Emergency Services (see Emergency services), which will help us in cases of floods, drought, fires, storms, earthquakes and other disasters.

Our current arsenal of weapons will be decommissioned, destroyed or recycled.

We shall also ban the production, import or export of weapons: our entire defence industry shall be closed down. Limited small arms and ammunition production will be sustained for the supply of our own police force (and definitely no export). Like armed forces personnel, people involved in defence industries will be offered similar government jobs and other career alternatives. Every effort shall be made to preserve the huge scientific, engineering and other potential associated with hi-tech defence production and development.

In parallel with the above measures we shall also prohibit entry of foreign naval, air force and other military craft and close all military (incl. intelligence) bases on our soil.