Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition do not support the suspension of standing orders, consistent with our longstanding approach to motions dealing with complex foreign policy issues which are not capable of being debated or amended. However, we do want to take this opportunity to put on the record Labor's strong opposition to nuclear weapons and our support for nuclear disarmament.

Nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation is a profoundly important issue. There is no greater ultimate threat to the safety, security and welfare of everyone on the planet than nuclear weapons. That is why Labor support the elimination and prohibition of nuclear weapons. It is why we have long supported action to reduce the nuclear arsenals built up by the world's nuclear weapon states. It is why we support action to ensure there is no further proliferation of nuclear weapons and to ensure that nuclear materials do not fall into the hands of rogue state and non-state actors. It is why we support safeguards around Australia's participation in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure Australian uranium is not diverted to non-civilian uses.

Labor's position on nuclear issues is set out in our national platform. I commend the document to those listening to this debate who are interested in these issues. The starting point for Labor is that nuclear weapons must be eliminated and prohibited. This is a humanitarian imperative. Given the catastrophic consequences of deliberate or accidental detonation of nuclear devices, Labor support the negotiation of a global treaty banning nuclear weapons. We also support stronger action under the existing nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which is designed to prevent proliferation and commit nuclear weapon states to disarmament.

There is a pressing need for the nuclear weapon states to do more to meet their disarmament commitments under the non-proliferation treaty. Article 6 of the non-proliferation treaty requires that nuclear weapon states pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The nuclear weapon states must negotiate further substantial reductions in their nuclear arsenals. They need to reduce the number of warheads on high alert. They need to be more transparent about the measures they have in place to reduce the risk of accidental detonation of nuclear weapons.

Labor also support the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We want to see its early entry into force. Labor support nuclear-free zones. We want to see new nuclear-free zones created and existing nuclear-free zones strengthened. We are committed to strengthening the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency and compliance with the test ban treaty, the non-proliferation treaty and other nuclear treaties and agreements. We support deep, verifiable and irreversible cuts in all categories of nuclear weapons and a continuing reduction in their role in national security policy.

Labor has a strong, demonstrable track record on these issues. Labor governments have ensured that Australia has led the way in the international community on nuclear disarmament. The Keating Labor government established a Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The Rudd Labor government set up the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament to drive the disarmament process under the non-proliferation treaty. Labor will continue to advocate strongly for a progressive position and practical action to achieve a world that is free of nuclear weapons.

Question negatived.