As talks come to a close on nuclear disarmament at the United Nations in New York this week, actions by local governments from around Australia open. At least 17 councils around Australia have passed resolutions calling on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to support a Nuclear Weapons Convention and reaffirm the Governments’ commitment towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
Mayors for Peace National Convenor, Councillor Helen Relph said, “This action by Local Governments sends a clear message to the Federal Government that there is support for Australia to play a key role internationally in calling for a Nuclear Weapons Convention. Local Government is taking the initiative on behalf of communities representing millions of Australians that this is an issue for us.”
The resolution passed by local governments supported recommendations made in a government report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT). Released in September 2009, the JSCOT report reviewed existing and emerging treaties involving Australia on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
While the Rudd Government supported many of the reports recommendations, it has not adopted the recommendations in relation to supporting a Nuclear Weapons Convention.
In September 2009 the Lowy Institute released a poll that concluded 75% of Australians believe that nuclear disarmament should be a top priority for the Australian Government.
Brad Pettitt, Mayor of Fremantle said, “It is unacceptable to hold cities in jeopardy any longer to the threat of nuclear weapons. The community expectation on this issue is very clear. It is time that Australia affirmed its commitment towards a Nuclear Weapons Convention.
This is a necessary, achievable and urgent step to take.”
This month at the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York, the majority of non-nuclear weapons states countries have called for a NWC.
“Support for a Nuclear Weapons Convention is now the strongest it’s been since the model convention was first launched 13 years ago,” said Cr Relph. “The community and political expectation for a nuclear weapons free world is building. Australia has a wonderful opportunity to be a leading voice on this issue,” concluded Cr Relph.
The list of councils who have passed the resolution so far are listed below and the actual resolution is on the ICAN website:
Media enquiries please contact:
*Teri Calder, ICAN Media Officer: 0425 230 679 / teri@icanw.org
teri@icanw.org
Cr Helen Relph, Mayors for Peace National Convenor, 0418 398 856 /
CrHelenRelph@bigpond.com
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PASS NWC RESOLUTION (at 28 May 2010)
New South Wales
Ashfield City Council
Gosford City Council
Leichhardt Municipal Council
Manly City Council
Narrabri Shire Council
Sydney City Council
Tasmania
Hobart City Council
Launceston City Council
South Australia
City of West Torrens Council
Marion City Council
Victoria
City of Darebin Council
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Yarra City Council
Glenelg Shire Council
Buloke Shire Council
Western Australia
Fremantle Council
City of Subiaco Council
« back
