General Debate

Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The House debated a motion moved by Tania Lawrence to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings and reaffirm Australia's support for nuclear disarmament treaties. Michael McCormack argued that while nuclear war must be avoided, the bombings were a necessary historical action to end World War II swiftly and save Australian lives. Labor members Claire Clutterham and Sharon Claydon supported the motion, emphasising the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and Australia's role in international non-proliferation frameworks. The debate highlighted differing perspectives on historical judgment versus contemporary disarmament goals.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to without division.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Lawrence moved the motion to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombings, noting the death of over 200,000 people and the enduring harm to survivors. Lawrence acknowledged the work of Nihon Hidankyo, recipients of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, and recognised the suffering of Australian First Nations communities and veterans affected by British nuclear testing. Lawrence argued that nuclear war serves no nation and called on the government to engage constructively in international disarmament forums. Lawrence highlighted the reduction in global nuclear warheads from over 70,000 in 1986 to under 4,000 today as evidence that diplomatic efforts work.

Michael McCormack (Riverina) (National Party) Nationals mixed

McCormack stated he was against nuclear war but argued that judging the 1945 bombings through a modern lens was inappropriate. McCormack contended that the attacks brought a swift end to the Pacific theatre, potentially saving the lives of Australian soldiers who might have died in a prolonged conflict. McCormack referenced the cruelty of Japanese forces during the war and the subsequent reconciliation efforts, such as those seen in Cowra. McCormack concluded that while nuclear arms are undesirable, the historical actions taken were necessary to stop Japan's imperialistic expansion.
Claire Clutterham (Sturt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Clutterham cited the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which entered into force in 1970, as a cornerstone of global security. Clutterham noted that the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, or Treaty of Rarotonga, would celebrate its 40th anniversary in August 2025. Clutterham emphasised that both treaties remain relevant in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and reducing the risk of conflict. Clutterham affirmed the government's commitment to working with the international community towards the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Sharon Claydon (Newcastle) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Claydon supported the motion, highlighting the death of more than 200,000 people, including approximately 38,000 children, and the long-term health impacts on survivors. Claydon acknowledged the ongoing effects of nuclear testing in Australia, particularly the Black Mist fallout at Maralinga and Emu Field. Claydon credited Prime Minister Gough Whitlam with ratifying the non-proliferation treaty in 1973 and praised local peace groups in Newcastle for their advocacy. Claydon urged continued diplomatic efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and ensure nuclear weapons are never used again.