The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) is a grassroots coalition advocating for an independent and peaceful Australian foreign policy.

IPAN are campaigning for an end AUKUS, Palestine solidarity, end the Force Posture Agreement with the United States, and is founding member of the Pacific Peace Network (PPN), a coalition of peace organisations from around the Pacific.

National Webinar, 20th May, 2026, 6.30pm AEST

The dangerous world of AUKUS and US military occupation

Confronting laws restricting/suppressing protest speech and action

Speakers: Sen.Rex Patrick, Lawyer Nick Hanna, Arthur Rorris, Jorgen Doyle, Sen David Shoebbridge, Facilitator Kelley Tranter.

A new Federal Police unit has been created to intimidate and deter protesting demonstrations against AUKUS.

The AUKUS AFP Command has been established under the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in conjunction with the Department of Defence. The AUKUS AFP Command’s powers cover the security of AUKUS operations, extending to wider US military activity elsewhere. Its activities are of considerable concern since among its roles is “Public Order Management” listing of “munitions” which include tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and real firearms.

Is this the Australia we want for ourselves, our children and the world?

Since 2003 and 9/11 a raft of laws have been passed by successive Australian governments attacking our civil and democratic rights, including freedom of speech and political protest. Some of these laws have been used against the environment movement.

More laws have been passed recently aimed at suppressing the huge upsurge of outrage against Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including draconian anti-protest laws in several states, and “hate laws” by the Federal Government.

More widely, protests are arising from concern with the huge diversion of public money for the AUKUS war pact and its nuclear submarines away from urgent social needs including the climate crisis. Communities and environmentalists are concerned with nuclear exposures. There is growing opposition to AUKUS embedding Australia in another US-led war, possibly a nuclear war.

These public concerns extend to the increasing US military footprint across Australia, enabled by the 2014 Force Posture Agreement.

Join this webinar, ask questions, discuss action.

In 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced the AUKUS partnership. A central element of this agreement is Australia’s plan to acquire up to eight nuclear-powered submarines at an estimated cost of $368+ billion over 30 years — announced without prior public consultation or a parliamentary vote.

The Australian Peace and Security Forum is auspicing an independent Public Inquiry into AUKUS, led by:

The Hon Peter Garrett AM FTSE

Yankunytjatjara Woman Karina Lester

Honorary Professor, Admiral Chris Barrie AC RAN R’td

The Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence AO

Leanne Minshull

There are several hearings planned around Australia. This is to register for the Adelaide, South Australia hearing. Exact location is to be confirmed, but you are welcome to register to express your interest in attending.

The hearing will hear from invited presenters who have made submissions to the Inquiry. Commissioners will ask questions and engage with the evidence presented. All are welcome to attend and observe.

If you would like to be considered as a presenter at this or any other hearing, a written, video, or audio submission is strongly advised via our submission form. However, there may be time on the day for a brief 5 minute submission. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to be considered. Anonymous submissions are accepted. All views are welcome.

For any queries: aukus.inquiry@austpeaceandsecurityforum.org.au