Crossbench MPs Introduce Bill to Ban Australian Military Exports Linked to Human Rights Breaches
A group of crossbench MPs, including David Pocock and Sophie Scamps, has introduced legislation aimed at preventing Australian military exports from being used in human rights violations. The bill specifically targets Australia's involvement in the F-35 supply chain amid concerns over its use by the Israeli military in Gaza, while the Albanese government defends its contributions as non-lethal.
A coalition of crossbench Members of Parliament, led by independents David Pocock and Sophie Scamps, is introducing new legislation designed to prohibit Australian military exports from contributing to human rights breaches. The proposed "red lines" bill seeks to outlaw the export of defence equipment, technology, or services where they could be used in violation of Australia’s international human rights obligations.
A central focus of the legislation is ending Australia’s participation in manufacturing components for F-35 fighter jets, which are currently operated by the Israeli air force in operations within Gaza. Ms. Scamps highlighted the severity of the situation, referencing the tens of thousands of people killed in Gaza as a driving factor behind the push for stricter controls on defence trade.
The bill also proposes significant structural changes to how Australia monitors genocide risks. It would establish an independent anti-genocide commissioner and mandate that large companies, defence businesses, and Commonwealth entities report on and intervene regarding genocide risks within their operations and supply chains.
In response to the legislative push, the Albanese government has defended its current position on the F-35 program. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described Australia’s contributions to the supply chain as "non-lethal in nature." Defence Minister Richard Marles further clarified that Australia participates in the F-35 program through a multilateral agreement with Lockheed Martin in the United States, rather than engaging directly with Israel.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that the components produced in Australia are integral to aircraft used in lethal strikes. Mr. Pocock noted that he has received thousands of emails from constituents expressing concern over the issue. Other crossbench figures, including Mehreen Faruqi, Lidia Thorpe, Andrew Wilkie, and Fatima Payman, have joined the effort, alongside support from organizations such as the Australian Centre for International Justice and individuals like Gillian Triggs and Rawan Arraf.
However, the path to passing this private member’s bill appears difficult. The Labor party is not expected to support the legislation, maintaining the government’s stance that existing agreements comply with international law while acknowledging the complex geopolitical context involving the West Bank and Gaza.