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The Australian Greens party has opened a petition to block Land Forces 2026 and revoke the charity status of organiser AMDA Foundation, after the 2024 edition was successfully held in Melbourne last week.
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The three-day Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition, featuring conference, international industry exhibitions and formal networking functions, was held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11 to 13 September.
The event was hosted by Australian not-for-profit AMDA Foundation, which aims to promote the development of Australian industrial and technological resources in the national interest. AMDA is currently registered under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Act with no shareholders, no investors and no intent to pursue profit.
In a public statement, the Greens said AMDA should have its charity status revoked due to its involvement with defence industry manufacturers.
Greens MP for Richmond Gabrielle de Vietri and the leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, have reportedly written to the ACNC to ask that they revoke AMDA Foundation’s registration.
“It’s outrageous that AMDA, a company that hosts multinational weapons expos, can masquerade as a charity,” de Vietri said.
“Nothing about this event is charitable. The public can’t even attend this event. This is all about tax deductions for the weapons manufacturers and government representatives looking for their next cushy job.
“The weapons industry profits from death and destruction. They promote war because they benefit from it. That is no way beneficial to the general public.
“A company that promotes profiting from violent oppression around the world should not be enjoying charity tax concessions.
“Revoking AMDA’s charity status is a step we can take to stop enabling multinational companies to profit from killing people.”
In addition, the party has also released a petition calling for the cancellation of the next Land Forces event scheduled to be held in 2026.
“Planning for Land Forces 2026 is already under way with the Victorian government renewing as the principal sponsor,” a Greens official said.
“We won’t stand by and allow our government to pour tax dollars into bringing the business of war to our city again.”
