Key facts
- Crossbench MPs are introducing legislation to ban Australian military exports used in human rights breaches.
- The bill targets components for F-35 fighter jets used by the Israeli air force in Gaza.
- The legislation aims to align Australia's export policies with its international human rights obligations.
- The bill would also prevent companies and institutions from investing in activities connected to illegal settlements and serious international law violations.
- The proponents of the laws say they would establish an independent anti-genocide commissioner.
- Large companies, defense businesses, and commonwealth entities would be required to report and intervene on genocide risks.
A group of crossbench lawmakers in Australia, including senators David Pocock and Lidia Thorpe, and MPs Sophie Scamps, Andrew Wilkie, and Fatima Payman, are set to introduce legislation aimed at preventing Australian military goods and services from being used in human rights breaches. The bill, to be presented on Monday, seeks to compel the Albanese government to adhere to its international human rights obligations.
The proposed legislation would outlaw the provision of defense equipment, technology, or services if they could be used in ways that violate Australia's international human rights commitments. A key focus is on components for F-35 fighter jets, which are reportedly used by the Israeli air force in Gaza for close-proximity strikes. Senator Pocock stated that he has received thousands of emails from constituents concerned about the "indiscriminate killing" in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has previously characterized Australia's contributions to the F-35 supply chain as "non-lethal." Defense Minister Richard Marles has dismissed criticism as "misinformation," emphasizing Australia's long-standing involvement in the F-35 program through a multilateral agreement with Lockheed Martin, not directly with Israel.
The crossbench group argues that their bill would align Australian law with its international human rights commitments and establish an independent anti-genocide commissioner. It would also require large companies, defense businesses, and commonwealth entities to report and intervene on genocide risks within their operations and supply chains. Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi urged the government to prove its commitment to international law, stating that Australian entities should not profit from or trade with activities linked to genocide.
The legislation is supported by international law advocates, including former Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs and Australian Centre for International Justice executive director Rawan Arraf. Scamps emphasized that the bill aims to prevent complicity in war crimes and genocide, noting that human rights abuses occur globally, not just in one country. Thorpe added that the bill upholds fundamental human rights to which the government is already committed under international law. The Labor party is not expected to support the private member's bill.