US/Australia Defence Agreements

1. The US and Australia are currently agreeing to a deal which involves giving US Forces greater access to Australian Bases, including the Port of Darwin, HMAS Stirling, Townsville Army Base and Bradshaw Training Area in the NT. It will also allow for greater US Access to all Australian Air Force Bases, Army Bases and Navy Bases.

2. The name of the summit where they will meet is called the AUSMIN Summit.

3. The US is specifically reacting to China in this agreement.

4. US Planners are looking to achieve greater co-operation between Australia and the United States and so the US can maintain a very strong presence in Asia & South East-Asia.

5. Other key areas for discussion at the talks will be cyber security, progress in Afghanistan and the state of the Joint Strike Fighter project. Australia plans to buy up to 100 of the revolutionary multi-role jets to replace the RAAF's F-111 bombers, retired last year, and its F/A-18 Hornets.

6. This means big things for Australia's future in Regional and Global Contexts with Australia maintaining large numbers of US Forces on their soil which will be used very regularly.

Go Back to Where you Came from Reflection

• What is your initial reaction to the show.

The show is a very exposing show. It highlights all the issues that are present in Australian Refugee society and all the way back to the source countries. I enjoyed the show throughout the course of the Journey for the Australians. 

• What percentage of immigrants are refugees?

1.5% of Immigrants are refugees.

• Why does such a small number of people make for such a big deal both politically and in the media? (Give your opinion)A small number number of people makes such a big deal because of their treatment in other countries and also scrutiny on the treatment of people in Australia.

• Where does Australia rank among countries accepting refugees?

Australia ranks 18th among countries accepting refugees.

• To what extent do we have an obligation to help other people suffering in the world? (your opinion)

We have an obligation to help people suffering in the world because we are more fortunate than them and we can afford to help them without affecting ourselves financially or anything.

• How much extra support do refugees receive in comparison to other Australian citizens?

Refugees receive the exact same amount of support in comparison to other Australian's

• How many Asian nations have signed the UN Refugee Convention?

11 Asian Nations have signed the UN Refugee Convention.

• Why is it important to note that Malaysia has not signed the UN Refugee Convention? What does this mean for refugees in Malaysia?

It is important to note that Malaysia has not signed the UN Refugee Convention because of Australia's controversial refugee swap with Malaysia, which has now been cancelled. This means that refugees are subject to very bad treatment and conditions in Malaysia while under refugee status.