Grassroots Labor group urges Albanese government to chart course away from 'American war machine'
News Source
β’Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:00:22 GMT
π° What Happened
A grass Labor group is calling on the Albanese government to move away from the 'American war machine'. Labor Against War claims the US has led Australia into wars of aggression for 50 years. It is now urging a more independent foreign policy.
The pressure comes after Guardian reporting showed the US controls or can access more than 100 bases across Australia. That is more than half of the country's military facilities. American military companies are also part of the picture.
Foreign minister Penny Wong answered in the Senate. She said the US presence is "at Australia's invitation." She called the bases "Australian bases under Australian command", defending the long alliance and the growing US footprint.
π The Backstory
Australia and the United States have been close military allies for decades under the ANZUS treaty. US troops and equipment have used Australian bases since the 1960s, including Pine Gap, a secret Jop twin base in the Northern Territory. The alliance is central to Australian defence.
The new base counts show how big the US footprint has grown. Critics say Australia may no longer control its own military decisions. Supporters reply that the bases make Australia stronger and safer in the region.
The debate is not new and is coded about how much room Australia will keep in its choices. Labor Against the particular younger voices in the party are now pushing the government to think carefully about the alliance's costs, not just its benefits.
π― Why It Matters
The military bases on Australian soil decide how soon country could be drawn an overseas war. This is about who really controls the country's defence choices. Fear, alliances and working classes all care about this debate.
A grass Labor group is calling on the Albanese government to move away from the 'American war machine'. Labor Against War claims the US has led Australia into wars of aggression for 50 years. It is now urging a more independent foreign policy.
The pressure comes after Guardian reporting showed the US controls or can access more than 100 bases across Australia. That is more than half of the country's military facilities. American military companies are also part of the picture.
Foreign minister Penny Wong answered in the Senate. She said the US presence is "at Australia's invitation." She called the bases "Australian bases under Australian command", defending the long alliance and the growing US footprint.
Australia and the United States have been close military allies for decades under the ANZUS treaty. US troops and equipment have used Australian bases since the 1960s, including Pine Gap, a secret Jop twin base in the Northern Territory. The alliance is central to Australian defence.
The new base counts show how big the US footprint has grown. Critics say Australia may no longer control its own military decisions. Supporters reply that the bases make Australia stronger and safer in the region.
The debate is not new and is coded about how much room Australia will keep in its choices. Labor Against the particular younger voices in the party are now pushing the government to think carefully about the alliance's costs, not just its benefits.
The military bases on Australian soil decide how soon country could be drawn an overseas war. This is about who really controls the country's defence choices. Fear, alliances and working classes all care about this debate.