Australia's Path to True Sovereignty: Former Ambassador Advocates for Independent Foreign Policy

Melbourne, November 17, 2024 — The Australian Citizens Party (ACP) held its National Conference today, featuring a keynote address by former diplomat John Lander, who made a compelling case for Australia to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Lander, a veteran of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with 30 years of experience, including roles as Deputy Ambassador to China and Ambassador to Iran. Delivered a thought-provoking speech on the need for Australia to reassess its alliance with the United States and its approach to international relations.

The conference, held at a time of increasing global tensions, particularly between the US and China, drew attention to the potential risks Australia faces due to its close alignment with US foreign policy.

Lander argued that Australia's current foreign policy stance, heavily influenced by its alliance with the US, is undermining the country's sovereignty and potentially exposing it to unnecessary risks. He emphasised the importance of prioritising Australia's national interests and those of its near neighbours over maintaining what he described as a “sacrosanct” alliance with the United States.

The former diplomat expressed concern about Australia's involvement in US military operations and the hosting of US military assets on Australian soil. He suggested that these arrangements could make Australia a target in potential conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lander also criticised Australia's approach to China, arguing that the current hostile stance towards Australia's largest trading partner is counterproductive and potentially dangerous. He called for a more balanced and independent approach to relations with China and other regional powers.

The conference highlighted the growing influence of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and their expanding economic forum. Lander recommended that Australia should consider aligning more closely with these emerging economic powers and participating in initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative to secure its economic future.

While the speech touched on topics deemed controversial by mainstream Australian politics, it sparked important discussions about Australia's place in a changing global order and the need for a more nuanced foreign policy approach.

Watch the Speech Here:

Notable Quotes:

1. “America is not preparing to go to war against China. It is preparing Australia to go to war against China.”

2. “We cannot be secure in our own region when we increase the offensive capability against our neighbours. Friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation is the best guarantee of security.”

3. “Australia has to make a bold, hard-headed and rational cost-benefit analysis of two highly unpalatable choices.”

4. “The emergence of the BRICS plus economic Forum clearly shows that the tide is moving to the east and to the global South.”

5. “At the next election, the power of the people must be shown to be greater than the people in power.”

Speech FAQ:

Question: What is the Australian Citizens Party's main foreign policy proposal?

Answer: The ACP advocates for an independent foreign policy that prioritises Australia's national interests and those of its near neighbours, rather than aligning closely with US foreign policy.

Question: How does John Lander suggest Australia should approach its relationship with China?

Answer: Lander recommends a more balanced and cooperative approach to China, moving away from the current hostile stance and considering participation in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Question: What measures could Australia undertake to enhance its economic development?

Answer: While not extensively detailed in this speech, Lander mentioned the creation of a government-owned bank as an essential step towards regaining sovereign financial control.