Stop Dutton from running Defence
Do you want Peter Dutton to be in charge of Australia's military?
Rumours of the appointment have been bolstered by the Murdoch Press.1,2 But it's clear Dutton is the wrong person for the job.
One need only look to his relentless efforts to establish laws threatening to silence the same ABC journalists who helped uncover the horrific allegations of war crimes.3
We can't let it happen.
With pressure from the public — and from Coalition MPs4 — mounting for greater transparency in the defence force, we need to call out this ministerial appointment.
Sign the petition to ensure Australia's defence forces don't fall into Dutton's hands.
Whatever we might think of war, we can all agree Dutton has proven himself to be a dangerous choice as head of the military. Especially given the need to move away from a culture of secrecy towards transparency and accountability.
Dutton gagged doctors and teachers working in detention centers from speaking out about abuse they witnessed.5 He advocated for powers that would allow him to instruct a military agency to spy on Australian citizens.6 And he advocated for jail sentences and income support cuts for protestors.7
He's made relentless efforts to establish a surveillance state through the expansion of ASIO powers8 and establish laws that threaten to silence the same ABC journalists who helped uncover the horrific war crimes revelations.9
This all combined with a track record of blatantly ignoring international law.10
The Brereton report clearly demands greater accountability and openness in the military, which is exactly why Peter Dutton's track record shows he's the wrong person for the job.
Dutton gagged doctors and teachers working in detention centers from speaking out about abuse they witnessed.5 He advocated for powers that would allow him to instruct a military agency to spy on Australian citizens.6 And he advocated for jail sentences and income support cuts for protestors.7
He's made relentless efforts to establish a surveillance state through the expansion of ASIO powers8 and establish laws that threaten to silence the same ABC journalists who helped uncover the horrific war crimes revelations.9
This all combined with a track record of blatantly ignoring international law.10
The Brereton report clearly demands greater accountability and openness in the military, which is exactly why Peter Dutton's track record shows he's the wrong person for the job.
[1] PM must replace Linda Reynolds with Peter Dutton at Defence, The Australian. 22 October 2020.
[2] Peter Dutton moving to Defence portfolio would be a 'very good improvement', Sky News. 5 July 2020.
[3] 'Chilling attack on democracy': proposed Asio powers could be used against journalists, The Guardian. 20 October 2020.
[4] Former soldier and MP wants more oversight, The Canberra Times. 24 November 2020
[5] Doctors and teachers gagged under new immigration laws, The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 June 2015
[6] Spying shock: Shades of Big Brother as cyber-security vision comes to light, The Daily Telegraph. 29 April 2018
[7] Peter Dutton accused of sounding 'like a dictator' after urging welfare cuts for protesters, The Guardian. 3 October 2019
[8] Dutton pushing for new ASIO powers, The Saturday Paper. 16 May 2020
[9] 'Chilling attack on democracy': proposed Asio powers could be used against journalists, The Guardian. 20 October 2020
[10] Australia's refugee policy is out of step with global standards and breaks international law: report, SBS. 13 June 2019
[2] Peter Dutton moving to Defence portfolio would be a 'very good improvement', Sky News. 5 July 2020.
[3] 'Chilling attack on democracy': proposed Asio powers could be used against journalists, The Guardian. 20 October 2020.
[4] Former soldier and MP wants more oversight, The Canberra Times. 24 November 2020
[5] Doctors and teachers gagged under new immigration laws, The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 June 2015
[6] Spying shock: Shades of Big Brother as cyber-security vision comes to light, The Daily Telegraph. 29 April 2018
[7] Peter Dutton accused of sounding 'like a dictator' after urging welfare cuts for protesters, The Guardian. 3 October 2019
[8] Dutton pushing for new ASIO powers, The Saturday Paper. 16 May 2020
[9] 'Chilling attack on democracy': proposed Asio powers could be used against journalists, The Guardian. 20 October 2020
[10] Australia's refugee policy is out of step with global standards and breaks international law: report, SBS. 13 June 2019
ADD YOUR NAME!
To Prime Minister Scott Morrison,
We demand Peter Dutton have no responsibility over Australia's defence forces. His history of secrecy and disregard for civil liberties and international law make him completely unsuitable for the role of Minister for Defence.
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