A growing debate has emerged over the extent of U.S. military influence in Australia, with claims that American forces control or have access to over 100 bases across the continent. While the Australian government insists these sites remain under local control, critics argue the presence reflects decades of alignment with U.S. military operations, raising concerns about foreign policy independence. An internal political group has accused Washington of steering Australia into conflicts abroad, calling for a shift away from what it describes as America’s "war machine." The controversy follows fresh scrutiny over the expanding U.S. footprint in Australian defence infrastructure.
Pressure follows revelations US military and weapons manufacturers control or have access to more than 100 bases across Australian continentWhy can the US access so many Australian military bases? – podcastGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe US has “led Australia into wars of aggression” for 50 years, internal party campaign group Labor Against War has argued, urging the government to chart a foreign policy independent “from the American war machine”.The Australian government has defended the growing presence of the US military on the Australian continent, insisting the defence sites “are Australian bases under Australian control”, despite evidence the US military controls more than a dozen bases on Australian territory. Continue reading...
