- 13 Nov 2012 02:17
#14104969
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/153 ... -in-perth/
Hmm, I wonder if the matter of Labor defense cut backs ought to be on the agenda? Is Australia 'freeloading' on the alliance? Or is it good and proper for the government to cut back on defense, amongst other things, so to ensure there is plenty of money for 'pork barrelling' at next year's election?
Hillary Clinton arrives in Perth
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has touched down in Australia ahead of this week's annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) meetings.
Mrs Clinton flew into Western Australia amid massive security, with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to fly in later on Tuesday.
A motorcade of 11 cars and three buses met Mrs Clinton, along with Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Foreign Minister Bob Carr, West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and Australian ambassador to the US Kim Beazley.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard will lead talks with the US delegation, having arrived separately in Perth on Wednesday.
AUSMIN is the highest-level forum for Australia and US consultation on foreign policy, defence and strategic issues.
After AUSMIN, Mrs Clinton is to travel to Adelaide to meet Australian business leaders and visit Techport Australia, as well as pay a visit to family friends.
While here, talks will cover a sweep of regional issues important to both nations, but a main focus will be the potential increase in the American military presence at northern Australian air bases, which could also mean a higher rotation of US marines through Darwin.
The future of Afghanistan will also be discussed.
Late last week, Mr Smith dismissed reports that cuts to Australia's defence budget would be on the agenda.
Hmm, I wonder if the matter of Labor defense cut backs ought to be on the agenda? Is Australia 'freeloading' on the alliance? Or is it good and proper for the government to cut back on defense, amongst other things, so to ensure there is plenty of money for 'pork barrelling' at next year's election?