Dr Lauren Sanders writes for The Conversation
Australia’s defence export program has recently come under scrutiny for its lack of transparency – particularly in relation to whether approved export permits are providing material support to Israel’s war against Hamas.
The UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories has criticised the government’s lack of transparency, as have academics and politicians.
They contend the government should be publicly divulging the details of the military export permits it approves. Currently, this is not done.
To compel the government to release information about recent exports, a group of human rights organisations recently filed an application in the Federal Court. The aim: to gain access to permits exporting defence equipment to Israel since its military operation began in early October.
