Well done. I hope this article facilitates the exposure of our Clayton's CCM law for the dismal sham that it is, and results in some solid amendments.

This bill has been brewing since 2009.

The Australian Treaty National Intelligence Analysis tabled in Parliament on 11 March 2009 lists our obligations under the CCM, and I note in particular points 7, 11 and 14 of that assessment, on three articles of the treaty:

Obligations

7. Article 1 obliges States Parties to never under any circumstances use cluster munitions as defined by the Convention, or develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer to anyone, directly or indirectly, cluster munitions as defined by the Convention, or assist, encourage or induce anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention.

11. Article 5 obliges States Parties to provide assistance, including medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support, as well as provide for their social and economic inclusion, to cluster munitions victims in areas under their jurisdiction or control on a non-discriminatory basis. States Parties are required to develop plans and budgets for such assistance, designate a national focal point for government coordination, and take steps to mobilise national and international resources.

14. Article 21 obliges States Parties to encourage States not party to the Convention to ratify, accept, approve or accede to the Convention, with the goal of attracting universal adherence. States Parties shall also notify the governments of States not party to the Convention of their obligations under the Convention and, inter alia, make their best efforts to discourage States not party to the Convention from using cluster munitions as defined by the Convention.

National Interest Analysis [2009] ATNIA 5
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/nia/2009/5.html

The argument that the Minister put in response to points consistent with the above in November of last year do not measure up. See

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/cluster-bomb-convention-bill/3687954

Many thanks for your tireless and unpaid work on this issue, Ms Fahey

As an Australian Citizen one should have an expectation that our Government stands as an example to other nations, operating with high ethical and moral values, and reflecting an advanced and compassionate society.

Unfortunately, we have a government which simply echoes the amoral perspectives of another nation, the USA. We acquiesce to the US in foreign policy, allowing US policies and morals to dictate our own responses to ethical dilemmas. When we become subservient to a nation known for its abuses of power, we reduce ourselves to their level and thereby diminish our own values and mores.

The fact the both major political parties are equally complicit does not reflect well upon Australia, and diminishes us as a nation. Instead of being proud of our leadership in a global society we can only feel embarrassed. Our political leaders should feel ashamed to have ignored the very real and pressing moral imperatives at stake in this very important legislation.

Cluster weapons are only upsetting to the self hateing Left. They started with reliability problems but that is rapidly declining, unused ordenance is wasted ordenance. Anyway dear Prof Blimps your fighting the last war, guided ordenance and drones surplant them in all but a big dust up. More vanity class posing.