US forces and contractors access over half of Australian military sites, report says

The short version

• The US military and defence corporations now control or have access to 110 facilities across Australian territory.[The Guardian]
• Academic research indicates American access extends to more than half of the country's military installations.[The Guardian]
• Australia's defence department maintains that the nation adheres strictly to a policy of hosting no foreign military bases.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The US military and American defence contractors have control over or access to 110 sites on Australian territory.[The Guardian]
• Professor Richard Tanter reported that American access applies to more than half of examined defence sites.[The Guardian]
• Up to 1,200 uniformed military personnel are slated to operate from the HMAS Stirling submarine base starting next year.[The Guardian]
• A Lowy Institute poll recorded that Australian trust in the United States acting responsibly dropped to 31%.[The Guardian]
• An Australian defence department spokesperson stated the government maintains a core policy of hosting no foreign bases on sovereign soil.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• The US now has access to more than half Australia’s military bases – could it drag the country unwillingly into war?The Guardian - World