Opened the debate
Shoebridge argued that the government's support for military action in Iran contradicted claims of working to deter conflict. Shoebridge contended that the expansion of US military bases in Australia compromised sovereignty and increased the risk of Australia becoming a target in future wars. Shoebridge cited analysis from the Australia Institute suggesting that US bases are insecure and that involvement in US conflicts has become the default position. On climate, he criticised the government for approving new fossil fuel projects and denying links between carbon pollution and recent disasters in Nepal and elsewhere.