United States | 2006 Australian Official Visit

[Odinson]

"Some of the biggest pushback from a free trade agreement between the United States and Australia could come from the beef industry if Australian slaughterhouses are able to export to the United States, but then American beef would not be able to be exported to Australia. I think that would be a concern. Outside of that, I am very much in favor of a free trade agreement between our countries. I think that it would just help bring Australia and the United States closer together. I ran on a pretty protectionist and domestic platform, but I don't believe in being an absolutist. The only real concession that we would ask for is that an American company be able to set up our trade routes," he noted.

"I understand that our time is valuable and that you may not want to discuss this today, so I will direct the Secretary of Commerce to start working on something immediately," Sinclair noted.

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Yes we maintain biosecurity concerns about U.S. beef due to some of your cattle having their origins in Mexico and Canada, currently it is banned from being sold in Australia. We only allow for U.S. beef from cattles which have been born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. But Australia is a net exporter of beef, so we do not find it on our shelves because Australian beef is plentiful. We can definitely put provisions in an agreement to not make any trade concessions for beef.

Passing this on to relevant negotiators is desirable.

There are several defence projects that the Minister for Defence left me in a list before he departed. Particularly he highlighted several areas within the Air Force that are critical capability gaps at this time. He has outlined the need for air mobility capability, particularly to deal with situations such as evacuations and humanitarian aid and that we would like to purchase the C-17 Globemaster and the C-130J Super Hercules to fill that capability gap. Australia, also having a significant maritime coastline and a defence geography that we describe as the "sea-air gap", wishes to inquire about replacing its ageing P-3 Orion fleet with the P-8 Poseidon to deal with a greater range of maritime threats. There is also here a need for a AEW&C capability through the E-7 Wedgetail. As well, Australia lacks an air combat fleet and would like to acquire the F-111 for strike capability and the F/A-18 for air-to-air combat whilst also joining the Joint Strike Fighter program to look at a future acquisition of the F-35.

In terms of the Army, he has outlined Army Aviation as the primary acquisition need from the United States, including fleets of CH-47 Chinooks, AH-64 Apaches and UH-60 Blackhawks. As well, long-range missile capabilities utilising the HIMARS platform, as well as a fleet of 90 M1A2 Abrams and associated armoured support vehicles such as AVLBs, recovery vehicles and assault breacher vehicles to re-equip the 1st Armoured Regiment.

In terms of the Navy, also within the aviation space, such as MH-60R Seahawks and carrier aircraft such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet, pending Australia's acquisition of an aircraft carrier from France.

There's quite a lot on this list that he has left me but he would like it that the United States is aware of Australia's intentions to purchase and re-equip a very capable and lethal military, pending the passing of budgetary provisions in the Parliament."

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

President Sinclair kept eye contact with the Prime Minister as she spoke. Sinclair was one of the first airmen of the United States Air Force when it was created, and he was very protective of America's air abilities across all branches of the armed forces. He and the Secretary of Defense briefly exchanged glances at each other, but with no disapproval from the Secretary of Defense, Sinclair replied to the Prime Minister.

"I have no objections to the United States delivering those platforms to Australia, with the exception of the F-35. The F-35 is not currently in production, though I am pushing for the Marines, the Air Force, and the Navy to start again as soon as possible. However, it could be an option in the future. With that being said, considering the relationship between Australia and the United States, I think that all of these platforms could be delivered to Australia. We will not do it for free of course, but the price will be fair... On the topic of an aircraft carrier from France," Sinclair said, "if your government ends up having any trouble acquiring one, you can look to us.

"While the sale of military equipment like this will require approval from Congress, I feel confident that it will be approved," the President said.

"If I could put something on your radar," he added, "while I know that the stationing of American forces in Australia is still being worked on as we speak, I was wondering if your government would potentially be willing to entertain the permanent stationing of an U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship in Australia. With that warship will come a couple of destroyers or cruisers to escort her. Those discussions are down the road, but I was curious if that is something in the realm of possibility that your government would consider in the future?" he asked.

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Of course, but Australia will be more than happy to assist on the F-35 program if need be, to develop technologies or weaponry that can improve it or even manufacture components for it. Whilst I appreciate the offer of a United States aircraft carrier, we do believe that all available classes will be too large to meet our requirements, whereas the French have a smaller CATOBAR option which is precisely what we are looking for.

We are always open to more U.S. forces being stationed in Australia under our status of forces agreement. I do believe we are still working through the initial components but if there are further components you wish to add we can certainly entertain the idea. We are still awaiting your initial deployment if you want to finalise that here and now."

Odinson