Stop Australian weapons from fuelling war crimes and genocide
The Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2024 (Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity) is one of the three bills that form the Red Lines Package.
What is it?
This bill would ban Australian defence exports that could be used to commit genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.
It ensures that Australia’s defence industry follows international court rulings and aligns with global human rights laws—preventing Australian-made weapons or parts from enabling violence anywhere in the world.
The bill in action
✔ Bans Australian defence exports that could be used to commit war crimes and genocide
✔ Ensures Australia’s defence trade aligns with international law and court decisions
✔ Increases transparency and accountability in defence exports
Why does it matter?
➤ The Australian Government has repeatedly stated that it does not provide weapons to Israel—yet has approved more than 350 military export permits to Israel since 2017, with 52 granted in 2024 alone.
➤ Australian-made weapons are being used in Gaza. Components for F-35 fighter jets, which Israel is using to bomb Gaza, are manufactured in Australia—including bomb-dropping mechanisms made in Victoria.
➤ Other countries are taking action. In February 2024, a Dutch court banned F-35 jet part exports to Israel due to their use in serious violations of international humanitarian law. Australia, however, continues supplying these parts without restriction.
➤ Instead of increasing due diligence, the Australian Government passed laws in 2024 to speed up military exports to the US and UK—removing export permit requirements.
This bill closes the loopholes, ensuring Australian weapons aren’t used to commit war crimes.
Ask your MPs and Senators to support the Red Lines Package, which includes the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2024
Australia has the power to act—but only if our representatives feel the pressure. Use our ready-made email templates to tell your MPs: support these reforms, or be complicit.
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Download digital assets and posters. Share your support on social media and in your email signatures.