MAPW response, Community Consultation report, Defence White Paper: updated June 2009

MAPW took seriously the offer to participated in the Defence Department's Community Consultation leading up to the 2009 Defence White Paper. Our members developed a considered and well-researched MAPW submission; and attended local community meetings. The report, released on 15 April 2009, just ahead of the White Paper and budget , higlights the views of the military and weapons industry while dismissing or downplaying views and evidence suggesting decreased spending, or promoting peace-making and diplomatic resolution of conflict. Our response has been updated after analysing submissions, and following questions in the Senate.