THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 16 Jul 2008
084/2008
MINISTER DELIVERS ADDRESS
TO BROOKINGS INSTITUTION
On 15 July 2008 in Washington, the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon
MP, delivered an address to the Brookings Institution, a leading international think-
tank devoted to independent research and innovative policy on global issues.
The Minister used his address to emphasise the value of the Australia-US alliance to
both nations and the Australian government’s commitment to further strengthen the
already close relationship. The Minister also paid tribute to the men and women from
both countries that have served, and are still serving, together on joint operations.
“The grave nature of the challenges we've faced together have ensured that the
relationship between our countries is closer than ever before.” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon reinforced Australia’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan and once
again called for an increased involvement from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO). “Like the US, we hope NATO can increase its commitment over the long
term.”
In his speech the Minister noted the importance of a continuing strong United States
role in regional defence and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and Australia’s
desire to work with the US to develop stronger relationships with regional partners.
Mr Fitzgibbon said that greater practical cooperation between regional partners in the
Asia-Pacific, including with Japan and Indonesia has the potential to make a
considerable contribution to regional peace and security.
In light of the Government’s announcement that it will seek a non-permanent seat on
the United Nations (UN) Security Council the Minister emphasised the importance of
cooperation in the wider global arena, and highlighted Australia’s support of the UN
and its vital work.
“Problems facing us today - terrorism, transnational crime, pandemics, global
warming - do not respect national borders. The challenges can only be met with a
network of global responses.”
Mr Fitzgibbon concluded his speech by again emphasising the importance of the
alliance relationship. “It is my intent and the intent of the Government to not only
maintain the alliance relationship, but to seek to push our engagement to a new
deeper level.”
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
