Media Room: Media Releases

DEFENCE TRADE TREATY WITH UNITED STATES

The text of the Treaty between Australia and the United States concerning Defence Trade Cooperation has been released by the Australian and US Governments.

The Treaty was signed by the then Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP, and the President of the United States, the Hon George W. Bush, in Sydney on 5 September 2007.

The Treaty represents a significant step forward in defence cooperation with the United States. It will provide substantial operational benefits to the Australian Defence Force through better access to US capability development and support.

Australian defence industry will also benefit from the significantly reduced workload required by current US Government export approval procedures.

The purpose of the Treaty is to create a comprehensive framework for the two-way trade in defence articles, including equipment, spare parts, services and related technical data within an approved community of government facilities and private companies in Australia and the US, without the need for licences.

The Treaty will be subject to ratification processes by the governments in both Australia and the United States before it enters into force.

Media note:

The Treaty, as well as the previously released fact sheet and questions and answers sheet, are available on the Defence website at: http://www.defence.gov.au/publications.cfm

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664