27 October 2023, CFMEU Construction & General Division, 2023 National Conference

Resolution – Peace

​The CFMEU Construction and General Division has a long track record in the peace movement in Australia. From fighting against conscription in WW1, WW2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as strong advocacy for peace throughout the generations, we believe that war unfairly targets the lives and dignity of the working class.

We have watched with horror the unspeakable slaughter of innocent people in Israel and Palestine and the retaliations from both sides in the present conflict in the Middle East.

Conference calls for an immediate suspension of all hostilities, the immediate release of all hostages, and an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza. Gaza must not be cut off from food, medicine, fuel and humanitarian supplies. Its power supply must be resumed, and critical health, water and other infrastructure must be restored immediately.

We also call for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and we stand in solidarity with all people who support the cause of peace, equality and justice for Palestinians, Israelis and everyone in the Middle East.

We support the peaceful demonstrations around Australia for an end to hostilities in Palestine, and call on government and police authorities to facilitate them. The union movement will never accept political restrictions on the right to protest which is fundamental to democracy.

We further call on the Australian Government to take a stronger bi-partisan approach, without the current partisan support for one side of the conflict, to promote a peaceful outcome for the benefit of all working people and their families.

Signed:

  • Zach Smith, National & ACT Branch Secretary
  • John Steka, Branch Secretary, Vic./Tas./SA
  • Christy Cain, National Secretary, CFMMEU
  • Darren Greenfield, Branch Secretary, NSW
  • Michael Ravbar, Branch Secretary, QLD/NT
  • Jade Ingham, National President, C&G Div.
  • Mick Buchan, Branch Secretary, WA

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Original Conference resolution, 27 October 2023:

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[With thanks to S. Missen for her work collating statements ~ auspal.]