QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:31): I'd make a few points. Senator, I think you've made no secret of your personal views, and also I think they reflect the Greens political party in that you don't want an alliance with the United States; you want us to not have an alliance with the United States.

I think we should start with clarity around the different positions we take. We are of the view that the US alliance contributes to Australian sovereignty. It enables us to have access to a range of capabilities that Australia would not have access to.

I would make the point that the sovereignty arrangements under the facilities that you outline remain so that they are Australian facilities. As with all US force posture activities, access to and use of Australian facilities and areas are on a rotational basis, mutually determined and at Australia's invitation. These are Australian bases under Australian command.

I know, Senator Shoebridge, you have a different view. You're entitled to that view. You want us to cut ties with most of the world, and most of your policy would ensure we wouldn't have a functioning defence force.

Nevertheless, you are entitled to those views. The government doesn't agree with them. The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, first supplementary?