Andrew Wilkie MP Warns of Major Issues that threaten Australian Democratic Rights and Civil Liberties
I find this article and video very concerning. I interviewed Andrew Wilkie when he was a whistleblower against the government involvement in the War in Iraq. I found him very articulate, knowledgeable and honest. He was an analyst at the Office of National Assessment and he considered there was a very low threat of WMDs and Australia’s involvement negligible. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) was a cover story to the infiltration of Iraq by US interests, the intent was to access Saddam Hussein under the guise of weapons inspections. I always recall Scott Ritter (former weapons inspector in Iraq, CIA) in his explosive speech at the University of Melbourne stating that he was told by James Woolsey (CIA chief) that there will always be between 10-15 (around this figure) of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq whether they are there or not, it was policy (listen to audio, peace journalism below). This was done to justify the international pressure on Iraq and justify the war. Wilkie regarded the war in Iraq as an illegal war of aggression.
Andrew Wilkie came out, as an intelligence officer, and helped to turn the tide here in Australia against the deception that was clearly orchestrated as an extension of US policy. During this period of time the ASIO Act was legislated (similar to US Patriot Act) which meant that people could be apprehended and interrogated without being placed before a Judge for up to 14 days. My hope is that other police, intelligence officers and public servants will come out if they see or hear anything that reveals misconduct of government officials. This is very important as it is done in the public’s name with public money.
I certainly protested this war with 200,000 people in Melbourne. It was evident that the people of Iraq were being murdered and that this in my view was about oil (commercial interests) not removing a leader who was a danger to humanity. The fact that Donald Rumsfeld met with Saddam Hussein in the 1980’s to supply chemical weapons was very concerning given the moral high ground. There were many issues raised about Halliburton and other contractors who went to Iraq to make profits out of the misery there. Dick Cheney the former Vice President, Secretary of Defense and former CEO of Halliburton revealed a significant link and raises issues of corporate executives recycled into powerful positions and illegality. Refer http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/jun/09/arianna-huffington/halliburton-kbr-and-iraq-war-contracting-history-s/
I interviewed a protester, a US citizen and former teacher Scott Parkin who had come to Australia to teach non-violent techniques to protest Halliburton’s exploitation of the situation in Iraq and its criminality. Scott Parkin was actually detained by Immigration and ASIO in Melbourne and deported. Refer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Parkin
It is noteworthy that officials at the highest levels who have been identified in criminal activity did not go to jail for war crimes. There has been no International Criminal Court hearing regarding the Bush family, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and many others complicit in crimes against humanity. This is why suppression of Whistleblowers and the right to protest is absolutely critical as the last mainstay of a democratic society. It is evident our leaders are not sovereign nor clearly representing the public, clearly evident if they are suppressing public dissent. The privatisation of the ABC as voted on by the Coalition is a case in point. It is reflective of a dictatorial regime and other interests that do not want any criticism or dissent, they seek compliance. The National Broadband Network, crafted off US digital policy is here is to connect everyone so they can be surveilled and commercial interests can access another ‘market’ In schools the concern of children being profiled, monitored via their online activity is another concern. Illegal surveillance of citizens is the most significant issue of our time. I recall Malcolm Turnbull in front of the camera’s with Tony Abbott (former PM at the time) stating: “…Nothing is lost…” it stood out for me at the time. He meant no data is lost. We can access anything. It was only a sound grab but I remember it clearly as alarm bells went off.
My peace journalism audio on the War in Iraq is available here scroll down to Wars serving ‘self interest’ not ‘best interest’, ‘US is involved in an illegitimate war of aggression’: http://www.worldpeacefull.com/peace-journalism/
This whistleblower has a warning for us
However, there are two major issues which threaten our democratic rights and civil liberties:
1. Radical changes to Espionage laws: If these draft laws are not amended, investigating or reporting on a subject that could damage Australia’s international reputation or harm its economic relations could attract a prison sentence of between 20 years and life. This would include exposing cases where Australia has breached international law.
2. Radical changes to Sabotage laws: ‘Damaging’ government or business property with an intention to harm Australia’s international reputation or economic interests could attract a prison sentence of up to 25 years. However, under the bill, ‘damage’ includes limiting access to property by people who ordinarily have access. In other words, ‘sabotage’ could now include peacefully blockading a road to prevent the export of coal or uranium to another country. It could also include peacefully protesting Australia’s involvement in an international war.
The bill also changes the legal definition of national security to include country’s political and economic relations with another country, and that country’s foreign influence.
If you want to read more about the impacts the laws will have our our democracy check out these fantastic op-eds from civil society leaders.
You can also read the original legislation and a Parliamentary committee’s recommendations here
Furthermore, the GetUp community relies heavily on the crucial work of investigative journalists and whistleblowers. If transparency and accountability is reduced, our ability to campaign will suffer.