Cost-sharing on Marine rotations in Darwin

SENATOR MARISE PAYNE
Minister for Defence

Press Release 6 October 2016

 

Cost Sharing Negotiations for Force Posture Initiatives Conclude

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Marise Payne, and United States Secretary of Defense Ash Carter have welcomed the in-principle conclusion of cost-sharing negotiations for the Force Posture Initiatives today in Washington DC.

“This marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Force Posture Initiatives, and ensures that our approach to cost-sharing is well-considered and sustainable,” Minister Payne said.

Australia and the US will share the costs for more than $2 billion in infrastructure investment in northern Australia as well as the ongoing costs of the initiative over the full 25 year life of the agreement.

The Force Posture Initiatives in northern Australia are being implemented under the Force Posture Agreement signed at the 2014 Australia-United States Ministerial Meeting. The initiatives seek to expand cooperation, increase opportunities for combined training and exercises and deepen the interoperability of our armed forces. The initiatives also provide opportunities for broader collaboration between Australia, the United States and our partners in the Indo-Pacific.

“The Force Posture Initiatives are consistent with Australia’s long-standing strategic interests in supporting US engagement in our region in a manner that promotes regional security and stability,” Minister Payne said.

Under the Force Posture Agreement, Australia and the United States will continue to work towards having a US Marine Air-Ground Task Force of up to 2,500 personnel and equipment rotating through Australia and enhancing our aircraft cooperation.
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