House of Representatives Notice Paper Question No 102
Schedule Number: 300023		 Publication Date: 5 June 2008
Hansard: Page 4805

Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap

 Member: Melham

Mr Melham asked the Minister for Defence in writing, on 14 May 2008:

In respect of the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap (JDFPG): (a) do any agreements, arrangements or understandings exist between the Australian and United States Governments concerning public statements about the role and operations of the JDFPG; if so, (i) what are the broad terms, and (ii) when was it concluded between the Australian and United States Governments; and (b) were any such arrangements originally incorporated into a classified document that was signed in Washington on 31 July 1976.

Mr Fitzgibbon – The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. Yes.
    1. It is agreed practice that partners are consulted before the public release of new information relating to sensitive joint facilities or classified information communicated in confidence.
    2. Such practice is incorporated in a number of arrangements.
  2. The Australian Government does not comment publicly on the contents of individual classified documents.

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