It was a sad reflection on Australian defence and foreign policy to see the Defence Minister Richard Marles on a visit to pay President Trump $800 million of the commitment of $367 billion for the untested AUKUS nuclear powered submarine programme.

Australian women and their families would far prefer to see this largesse remain in our national budget already desperate for funding of essential services in our communities, schools and hospitals.

Quite apart from the risks of this ill advised policy, the timing of this gift reminds us that the Australian Government is signing on to yet another United States led war as Trump further demonstrates his complete disregard for international law .

Australians need to vote for peace and security, yet Richard Marles is far too enthusiastic about his unreliable overseas friends and militarism.

Despite Richard Marles weekend gift, the  Prime Minister is now having to try to prevent Trumps tariffs policy from impact on Australia.

Isn’t it time our political leaders asserted Australia’s interests instead of pandering to overseas bullies.

Margaret Reynolds
WLIPF Australia President