Weapons companies are increasingly targeting schools through so-called “STEM education partnerships.” On the surface, these programs offer resources and opportunities. But behind them sits a simple truth: companies like Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Boeing profit from war, conflict and the production of weapons of mass destruction. These industries are not neutral. Their presence in classrooms shapes attitudes from the earliest years, encouraging young people to view the arms trade as a positive and acceptable career path.
As educators, parents and community members, we know schools should be safe spaces for learning, not sites of corporate influence from harmful industries. When the world’s largest weapons companies are permitted into classrooms, we risk undermining the values of peace, care and community responsibility that education is meant to uphold.
A Growing Concern
Across Australia, advocacy groups and unions have raised the alarm. Reports such as Minors & Missiles by Elise West (Teachers for Peace and Medical Association for Prevention of War) have documented the extent of arms industry involvement in schools and the failure of current education policies to adequately protect children and young people.
In the NT, many members have told us they were shocked to learn of these programs operating here. At union forums, there has been consistent support for a clear policy that keeps harmful industries out of schools. Parents, too, have voiced disbelief that companies profiting from global conflict are being welcomed into education spaces.
Bringing the Conversation Together
In response, AEU NT members have organised an educational seminar on Weapons out of Schools. This event has been endorsed by the union and is supported by grassroots membership.
Speakers include:
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Elise West – campaigner with Teachers for Peace and the Medical Association for Prevention of War, author of Minors & Missiles
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Lucy Honan – AEU Victorian State Councillor, Teachers and School Staff for Palestine – Victoria
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Chris Breen – NSWTF union member, Teachers & School Staff for Palestine – New South Wales
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Trilokesh Chanmugam – AEU NT Vice President, General Division, and classroom teacher
Together, they will explore the impact of weapons industry involvement in schools, the broader context of disarmament, and practical steps that educators and communities can take to resist this influence. The seminar will also highlight what unions around the country are doing to protect students and staff from harmful corporate agendas.
Why We’re Involved
For the AEU NT, this issue is directly tied to our core values: safe schools, inclusive education, and a commitment to the wellbeing of children and communities. We believe education should serve the public good, not private profit. Just as we stand against cuts to resources and unsafe workloads, we also stand against corporate influence that undermines the purpose of schooling.
Our aim is not only to raise awareness, but to begin shaping policy and practice in the NT that ensures our classrooms remain free from weapons industry promotion. The attendance of Department of Education and Training representatives at this event is an important step toward constructive dialogue on how to achieve this.
Join the Conversation
The seminar will be available both in person and online, ensuring members and community supporters across the NT can participate. There will be space for questions, discussion, and sharing of strategies.
This is an opportunity to make our collective voice heard: that schools are no place for the arms industry, and that our children deserve an education grounded in peace, not militarism.