Visiting Fremantle WA in September gave an insight to their anti AUKUS struggles.
We joined about 40 activists protested outside the town hall before a “Community Consultation“ organised by the Australian Submarine Authority. The meeting was a farce, men in military uniforms replete with medals evaded concerns regarding nuclear safety, legal jurisdiction over American servicemen and environmental destruction.
Days later International Peace Day saw a large rally and march through Fremantle. Palestine was front and center and is an important cross over with the Anti War, Anti Nuclear and Anti AUKUS activism. Unionists for Palestine, Save Cockburn Sound and Climate Action had powerful links to make as well.
The existence of HMAS Stirling, huge dockyards serving naval vessels and facilities run by arms suppliers like Raytheon, BAE and Rolls Royce gives the busy industrial coast from Fremantle to Rockingham a very different feel to the Illawarra. Fremantle has been hosting submarines and US naval ships for 80 years.
Their struggle has a strong focus on opposing a US base, the threat of a Nuclear presence and the destruction of a beautiful and popular marine environment. But they are leaving no stone unturned and have a dedicated and articulate group of activists building a movement to cancel AUKUS, end the FPA and stop the 12 billion dollar Henderson military shipyard.
Thanks
and
Rockingham for Palestine
for their time and solidarity.
– Peter