Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the critical importance of banning nuclear weapons during the 2018 Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Conference. He described the effort as the "most important struggle for the human race" and urged the party to support a resolution endorsing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Albanese stated, "Labor in government will sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons," calling the resolution a representation of Labor at its best. The resolution passed unanimously, but nearly four years later, the Labor government has not yet fulfilled this commitment.

At the same conference, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles seconded the resolution but with less fervor, suggesting it was a consensus issue. In a recent interview, Marles explained why the government has not signed the treaty, stating, "What's really clear is that the [national] conference understands that this is a decision of government … a decision of Labor in government." He noted that the government has opted to adhere to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which aims to limit the number of nuclear-armed states rather than prohibit nuclear weapons outright.

When pressed about the plans to sign the ban treaty, Marles reiterated that the party is focused on the NPT and denied that the delay constitutes a broken election promise. He clarified that the National Conference's resolution indicated that the final decision on signing the treaty rests with the Labor government.

Albanese had previously asserted that leadership is essential for progress, and he highlighted the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the advocacy group ICAN for its role in promoting the ban treaty. However, the Albanese government has yet to act on this commitment, raising questions about the reasons behind the delay.

A significant factor in this decision is Australia's alliance with the United States. Australia plays a vital role in the U.S. nuclear weapons program through defense facilities that provide early warning and targeting information. Additionally, Australia relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for protection, which would conflict with the ban treaty's stipulations.

The latest Defence Strategic Review indicates that Australia views U.S. extended nuclear deterrence as its best defense against nuclear threats. Both Albanese and Marles were aware of these complexities when they advocated for the treaty in 2018. Albanese acknowledged the importance of the U.S. alliance, stating, "We can disagree with our friends in the short term, while maintaining those relations."

Currently, Australia is strengthening its ties with the U.S. amid concerns about regional security, particularly in light of China's expanding nuclear capabilities. The U.S. has resumed deploying nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and Virginia-class submarines in Australia, which may carry nuclear weapons in the future. This shift is partly a response to China's nuclear arsenal, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The breakdown of the nuclear arms control regime further complicates the situation. The New Start treaty, which limits nuclear arsenals between the U.S. and Russia, is set to expire soon, with little chance of renewal. Tilman Ruff, a founding member of ICAN, argues that the urgency to sign the ban treaty has increased in light of these developments. He stated, "At a time of weakened international cooperation, it significantly increases the urgency of getting disarmament, preventing nuclear war."

While Albanese once portrayed signing the ban treaty as a hallmark of Labor's values, the current government appears to be prioritizing pragmatic considerations over its earlier commitments.