In 2016, ordinary South Australians shut down a major proposal for a nuclear waste dump in the state.

The plan to take nuclear waste from around the world and bury it in the SA outback was opposed by Mothers for a Sustainable South Australia (MOSSA) along with many other community, environment, Indigenous and trade union groups. It was then rejected by a specially formed ‘citizens jury’.

A decade later, South Australia is again being told to go nuclear via the AUKUS submarine deal, regardless of the environmental impacts, security concerns, economic costs and total lack of transparency.

What lessons does the victory over the dump hold for the fight against AUKUS, nuclear submarines, and their nuclear waste?

Join MOSSA member Senator Barbara Pocock, together with Karina Lester and Rod Campbell, as they discuss the lessons of the past and what they mean for South Australia’s nuclear future.

Please note that the venue is only accessible by stairs and does not have step-free access.

SPEAKERS:

Senator Barbara Pocock – Senator for South Australia

Barbara Pocock is a Greens senator for SA. Concern about the consequences of climate change took her to the Senate in 2022. She is currently the Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness, Workplace Relations and Employment, Finance and the Public Sector. She is an economist who has spent her life fighting for the rights of working people, women and low-income workers. She was awarded an AM for services to industrial relations research and social justice in 2010. She has written many books and articles, worked in shearing sheds, on farms, in universities, in government and as a mother. She helped establish MOSSA: Mothers for a Sustainable South Australia, which remains outspoken in opposition to nuclear waste disposal in SA.

Karina Lester — Yankunytjatjara Anangu anti-nuclear activist and language worker from South Australia

Karina Lester is a Yankunytjatjara Anangu anti-nuclear activist and language worker from South Australia. As a second-generation survivor of British nuclear testing at Emu Field in 1953, she campaigns against nuclear weapons and waste. Karina has served as a global ambassador for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and contributed to the UN Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. Karina was a leader in the No Dump Alliance against the proposed establishment of South Australian nuclear waste facilities and successfully challenged barriers to ensure Indigenous voices were heard during the 2016 Royal Commission. Beyond her advocacy regarding intergenerational atomic trauma, she works to preserve her native Yankunytjatjara language.

Rod Campbell — Research Director, The Australia Institute

Rod Campbell is the Research Director at The Australia Institute. An economist by background, Rod’s work often focuses on the economics of fossil fuel industries, he has published numerous landmark reports, as well as articles in peer-reviewed journals and he has appeared as an expert witness in major court cases and planning processes. Other areas of research include the management of the Murray Darling Basin, economic assessment of infrastructure projects and the role of economic modelling in policy and planning processes. When

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm ACDT

Where: Rhino Room 1 131 Pirie St Adelaide , SA 5000 Google map and directions

Free public talk on nuclear issues affecting South Australia.

David Noonan will speak on public interest concerns over the new Roxby Downs Indenture Act 2026 on BHP copper-uranium mining and ore processing in SA, and on how AUKUS may face SA with a High-Level nuclear waste agenda.

Dr Jim Green will discuss international developments in the field of nuclear power including ‘small modular reactors’ and Generation 4 ‘advanced’ nuclear reactor concepts

Parking in Sturt St or Wright St

Event will be upstairs in the Minor Works Building

Organised by Friends of the Earth Adelaide

Join with other South Australians to show our opposition to US and Australian Govt war preparations here and to celebrate the peoples movement for peace and friendship within our region and beyond.

The day is a cultural extravaganza with not one but two community choirs, PAAF Giant Sub inflatable, XRSA street theatre, Public Art Peaceboats , Fiddle We Must band, and the arrival of the amazing Peacewalkers Against AUKUS after their 400km walk from Pt Augusta.

Speakers include the AUKUS Public Inquiry’s Karina Lester, MLC Melanie Selwood, AFOPA’s Mike Khizam,Prof Al Rainnie and local Port Adelaide legend Sandra Dann. MC’ed by Eileen Darley.

https://www.facebook.com/events/896444656626659/

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

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.

Since its launch, the AUKUS Public Inquiry has been holding hearings, gathering public submissions, and asking the question at the heart of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine deal: Will AUKUS keep us safe — at what cost?

In response to several public requests, we’re hosting a free webinar to explain how the Inquiry works, why it exists, its objectives and scopes, how you can be part of it, and answer other relevant questions that you may have.

Moderated by Dr Julie Macken, you’ll hear from Major General Michael G. Smith AO (Retd) and the Hon. Doug Cameron, former ALP Senator for NSW — Co-Chairs of the AUKUS Inquiry Secretariat — along with Cailey Thurlow, who’ll walk through the Inquiry’s website and how to view submissions, hearings, and evidence as well as how you yourself can make a submission to the Public Inquiry.

What to expect:

Why the Inquiry exists, and what authority and legitimacy it holds

Who the Commissioners are and what the Terms of Reference cover

A walkthrough of the Inquiry website and how to find hearings, submissions and findings

An update on progress so far including submissions, hearings, funding, and the key concerns being raised

What's still needed like more submissions, further donations and support, or asking your local MP to demand answers

A live Q&A, with questions welcomed via chat throughout

Whether you’re new to the Inquiry or already following closely, this is your chance to get the full picture and find out how to make sure your voice is part of it.

Monday 3 August 2026 from 6:00pm AEST Online Zoom Webinar Free but registration is required

The AUKUS deal was conceived in secret and with deception — and continues to be shrouded in secrecy despite the incredibly high stakes and massive cost. Our government has already spent $10 billion of our taxes on US and UK shipyards at a time when much of the world is in conflict and Australians are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis.

A group of former MPs, retired military and naval officers, leading strategists and academics, human rights lawyers and union leaders are committing to an independent Public Inquiry into AUKUS. This Inquiry is coordinated by the Australian Peace and Security Forum (APSF) — ensuring it is grounded in expertise, independence, and a commitment to serious evidence-based examination.

We invite written, oral, and video submissions from Australian citizens, organisations, and those in the Pacific and wider region with an interest in the AUKUS security partnership. All views are welcome and anonymous submissions are accepted. Submissions close September 1st, 2026.

SAGE is a community for all folks who love and care for our planet. Our monthly gatherings are a space to nourish each other, so that we can nourish our world.

Join us for an evening of delicious food, hearty discussion and new skills. The night will start with a shared meal, then we will move into community announcements, then into open space workshops, with lots of space for social breaks throughout.

This month’s SAGE will focus on the anti-war movement in this country. We’ll hear from & about people who are fighting militarism and imperialism – from opposing the AUKUS submarine pact, to calling for the closure of intelligence facilities and weapons companies, to protesting Australia’s alignment with US-led wars. We’ll also learn about ways to get involved.

We’re inviting speakers (to be announced soon) but we also welcome workshop/discussion ideas about the theme from everyone in the community – no need to message us, just turn up with your idea!

If you’ve got a mate who could run a good workshop on this theme, call them up & invite them.

Plus, as always, anyone can bring workshop or discussion ideas that are completely unrelated to the theme :)

–

Some other things you might want to bring… 🍲 A plate of food to share for the potluck dinner 🫒 Veggies or seedlings for the produce swap 🧵 Something to mend at the mending corner 🌟 Energy to help shape the new space and make it our own!!

Run through of how the night will (roughly) go… 4:30-5:15pm: Arriving, Sharing food. 5:15-5:45pm: Welcome, Community Announcements. 5:45-7:45pm: Open Space Workshop Sessions (including a break for tea/chats). 7:45-8.00pm: Closing Circle.

All welcome. Come anytime that suits you.

SAGE will now be held at YouthInc, an alternative school for 18-25 yr olds in a cool converted church on Pulteney St. We’re keen to build a mutual relationship with the generous YouthInc crew and help make the space our own for the long haul.

Of course, SAGE is still (& will always be) for all ages. Young or old, parent or pensioner, first-timer or seasoned activist - everyone is welcome.

See you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1658940141859575/

SAGE is a community for all folks who love and care for our planet. Our monthly gatherings are a space to nourish each other, so that we can nourish our world.

Join us for an evening of delicious food, hearty discussion and new skills. The night will start with a shared meal, then we will move into community announcements, then into open space workshops, with lots of space for social breaks throughout.

This month’s SAGE will focus on the anti-war movement in this country. We’ll hear from & about people who are fighting militarism and imperialism – from opposing the AUKUS submarine pact, to calling for the closure of intelligence facilities and weapons companies, to protesting Australia’s alignment with US-led wars. We’ll also learn about ways to get involved.

We’re inviting speakers (to be announced soon) but we also welcome workshop/discussion ideas about the theme from everyone in the community – no need to message us, just turn up with your idea!

If you’ve got a mate who could run a good workshop on this theme, call them up & invite them.

Plus, as always, anyone can bring workshop or discussion ideas that are completely unrelated to the theme :)

–

Some other things you might want to bring… 🍲 A plate of food to share for the potluck dinner 🫒 Veggies or seedlings for the produce swap 🧵 Something to mend at the mending corner 🌟 Energy to help shape the new space and make it our own!!

Run through of how the night will (roughly) go… 4:30-5:15pm: Arriving, Sharing food. 5:15-5:45pm: Welcome, Community Announcements. 5:45-7:45pm: Open Space Workshop Sessions (including a break for tea/chats). 7:45-8.00pm: Closing Circle.

All welcome. Come anytime that suits you.

SAGE will now be held at YouthInc, an alternative school for 18-25 yr olds in a cool converted church on Pulteney St. We’re keen to build a mutual relationship with the generous YouthInc crew and help make the space our own for the long haul.

Of course, SAGE is still (& will always be) for all ages. Young or old, parent or pensioner, first-timer or seasoned activist - everyone is welcome.

See you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1658940141859575/