AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES: THE INDISPENSABLE ALLIANCE

Monday, 6 April 2009

Welcoming Remarks/Introduction:

I firstly acknowledge the kind invitation from the Center for a New American Security

Thank Richard Danzig, Chairman of the Board for the Center, for his introduction. Richard’s distinguished career in government service is a huge asset to the Center.

The Center is a new player on the academic and government scene and I have been impressed by the calibre of its people and the way in which it has built a position of influence in a short space of time.

And I don’t say this just because you employ Australians, though I have noted that David Kilcullen, one of our more famous exports in the think tank market, has now joined the Center’s team.

It was a Center for a New American Security publication that, in June last year, described Australia as “increasingly and indisputably a top-tier American ally and a critical partner in the most sensitive and important US missions in the world”.

I couldn’t have put it better myself. Indeed, it reflects the intent of my speech here this evening.

I also identify with the Center’s charter: to develop “strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values”.

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