I have family and friends currently traveling or living overseas, and recent conflicts in the Middle East have made me deeply worried for their safety. Watching news about Australians stranded or facing danger abroad makes me feel like our government’s foreign policy decisions are putting ordinary people at risk. I want our leaders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Australians first, instead of automatically aligning with foreign military actions.

Recent statements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supporting US actions against Iran have raised concerns that Australia may be aligning too closely with foreign military decisions. Such alignments could potentially increase the risks faced by Australians both at home and overseas. As a nation, we should pursue a foreign policy that prioritizes the safety of Australians and ensures that our citizens are not needlessly put in harm's way due to escalating geopolitical tensions.

Australia has a proud history of independent thought and decision-making on the global stage. However, the alignment with foreign military actions threatens this legacy. It is crucial for our leaders to reevaluate our foreign policy stance and ensure that the safety of Australians is the primary consideration. This is not just about the government's strategic decisions but also about protecting the lives and wellbeing of ordinary Australians.

It is essential for the Australian Government to take a stand by emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions and peaceful engagements rather than military confrontations. To this end, we call upon Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Government to publicly commit to prioritizing citizen safety in their foreign policy decisions and to clarify that military action should be the last resort.

Let us remind our leaders of their responsibility to shield their citizens from unnecessary danger and conflict.

Please join me in signing this petition to urge the Australian Government to prioritize the safety and security of Australians over involvement in foreign conflicts. Your support is vital in showing our government that we, as a nation, value peace and the protection of our fellow citizens above all else.