Forum to address US military presence in Darwin

A former Australian Prime Minister will contribute to the debate about the United States’ military presence in northern Australia at a symposium being held in Darwin this week.

Northern Australia will be discussed in the context of the Federal Government’s agreement to establish a six month rotational marine air ground task force of 2500 soldiers by 2016 at a public discussion facilitated by Charles Darwin University’s The Northern Institute.

The Honourable Malcolm Fraser AC CH will give the keynote presentation.

University of Melbourne Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability Senior Research Associate Richard Tanter and Director of the Darwin Military Museum Dr Tom Lewis will also be among the presenters.

The Defending Australia Symposium will address increased US military deployments to the Western Pacific region, bring together a range of views about the US presence in Northern Australia and provide an opportunity for members of the public to take part in a discussion with a panel of experts.

The event will be held from 9am – 4pm on Friday 23 August at the Litchfield Room, Parliament House, Mitchell Street, Darwin.

Entry is free. Registrations are essential. Visit W: www.cdu.edu.au/the-northern-institute/defending-australia to reserve your place by Thursday 22 August 2013.