THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Friday, 2 October 2009
077/2009
A STRONGER AUSTRALIA–UNITED STATES
DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
met with a range of United States Government officials in Washington DC, at
the Pentagon and at the US Department of State, to discuss defence-related
aspects of our alliance.
Mr Combet is in Washington to advance our Defence relationship, including
aspects of our materiel and research cooperation.
“Australia and the United States have built a strong defence partnership
through close cooperation on areas of mutual interest. Today was an
important opportunity for me to renew that cooperation with key officials in the
Obama Administration,” Mr Combet said.
The meetings included the Deputy Secretary for Defense, Mr William Lynn III;
the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ms
Ellen Tauscher; and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics, Dr Ashton Carter.
“Our strong relationship with the United States Government is critical for the
delivery of our current major capability programs, and will be essential for the
delivery of our future force.
“I was able to discuss the high level of cooperation we are enjoying on current
major projects such as the Joint Strike Fighter. This has given us a wonderful
insight into the project. I was also able to get further briefings to those I have
received at the Fort Worth facility on the progress of the project.
“Australia’s partnership in the JSF Program has provided Australian industry
with the opportunity to become part of the F-35 global supply and support
chain.
“Just as importantly I was able to discuss future cooperation regarding the
development of Australia’s future submarine with some of the key officials in
the Obama Administration. A key area of interest was the parallels between
procurement reforms being pursued by the Rudd Government and the Obama
Administration.”
To further this potential area of cooperation Mr Combet met with senior
research and engineering officials at the Pentagon, including Assistant
Secretary Navy – Research and Acquisition and the Director of Defense
Research and Engineering.
Mr Combet also took the opportunity to reinforce Australia’s support for the
ratification of the Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty.
“Cooperation through a Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty will serve to
further strengthen the relationship between our two countries. The treaty will
enhance Australia-US interoperability in defence and counterterrorism
activities, improve cooperation on joint research and capability development
projects and expand opportunities for Australian industry.
“We look forward to its ratification and the benefits on trade in controlled
defence goods and technology that it will bring for both countries,” Mr Combet
said.
“The United States Administration has expressed support for the Treaty, and
its desire for quick US Senate ratification of the Defense Trade Cooperation
Treaty.”
Apart from his meetings at the Pentagon and Department of State, Mr Combet
also met with officials of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations, and committee member Senator Jim Webb.
“I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with the Committee the Defence
Treaty and the conditions required for implementation. I was also able to
discuss recent developments in regards to Climate Change with Senator
Webb,” Mr Combet said.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
