Foreign Affairs & Nuclear-Free Future

Australia needs a foreign policy that prioritises peace, independence, and the well-being of our nation, not one driven by militarism and entanglement in the agendas of other countries. 

Whilst Labor and the Liberals continue to back outdated alliances and dangerous nuclear strategies, the Greens stand for diplomacy, conflict prevention, and a future free of war.

This vision puts Australia on a path to becoming a global peace and cooperation leader rather than following others into conflict

The Greens' plan:

• Promote an independent foreign policy and defence force focused on peaceful regional relationships by cancelling the AUKUS agreement and renegotiating ANZUS, reducing reliance on the United States and strengthening regional cooperation.
• Ensure greater democratic oversight of war decisions by passing War Powers legislation requiring parliamentary approval before committing Australia to armed conflicts.
• Strengthen Australia’s capacity to prevent and respond to conflicts through non-violent means by creating a Peace & Conflict Prevention Division within DFAT, equipped to provide advice, mediators, and programs in vulnerable contexts.
• Formalise Australia’s commitment to a nuclear-free world by signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to support global nuclear disarmament efforts.
• Advance research and education in peace and non-violent conflict resolution by investing $15 million in grants for postgraduate scholarships.
• Establish a framework for a peaceful and rights-focused foreign policy by updating Australia’s white policy white paper focusing on decolonised aid, feminist and First Nations leadership, and conflict prevention strategies.
• Protect Australian waters and ports from nuclear risks by legislating a ban on nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed vessels docking in ports, travelling through waters, or being stationed in Australia.

Gaps within the Australian system have resulted in cases of people being arbitrarily detained in other countries for longer than they otherwise would have been and treated poorly while detained. 

There is an urgent need for leadership in government policy around this issue, and consistent management of cases of wrongful detention.

The Greens' plan:

• Establish a Special Envoy for Arbitrarily Detained Australians overseas to focus on political and arbitrarily detained cases within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Greens condemn all attacks on civilians—whether in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon or Israel. No civilian should be a target of war.

There can be no peace without justice. The illegal occupation of Palestinian territories must end. The ongoing genocide in Gaza must stop.

The Greens are calling for urgent international and Australian government action to bring an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and to lay the foundations for a just and lasting peace.

The Greens are calling for: 

• An end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including the removal of Israeli settlers and security forces from all Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 including the land and sea blockade of Gaza.
• The State of Israel to end its ongoing genocide in Gaza and comply fully with the orders of the International Court of Justice and allow the passage of more aid into Gaza.
• The Australian Government to stop all military exports to Israel.
• The Australian Government to formally intervene on behalf of South Africa and their case of genocide against the State of Israel at the ICJ. 
• The Australian Government to sanction all members of the State of Israel's war cabinet, including Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• Hamas to release all hostages who were taken on October 7th, unconditionally.
• The planners and perpetrators of the October 7 attack are to be brought to justice in accordance with international law and independent UN and ICC-backed investigations of the war crimes being committed by the state of Israel in Gaza right now.
• Full equality before the law for every person, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, language, race, gender identity, class disability, sexuality or other social status in Palestine and Israel.

Australia must not become a dumping ground for goods made using forced labour, especially as other nations take a stand against such practices. 

Banning these imports will send a strong message that Australia does not tolerate slavery and forced labour in global supply chains.

By enacting this ban, The Greens will align Australia with global efforts to combat forced labour and stand in solidarity with communities like the Uyghur and Tibetan people calling for change.

The Greens' plan:

• Legislate a ban on the import of goods produced using forced labour, regardless of geographic origin. This policy will ensure Australia’s commitment to ethical trade practices and human rights.
• Provide $10 million annually to relevant Australian Public Service agencies to enforce and implement the ban effectively.