<nettime> Labor has no problem with missile testing

["Ben Moretti" <bmoretti@chariot.net.au>]

http://www.abc.net.au/news

Labor has no problem with missile testing

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says he has no problem with a
proposal to locate a United States missile testing range off
Western Australia's north-west coast.

Mr Beazley says there have been discussions between the US and
Australian navies on tactical missile defence for warships at sea
and the proposal is one part of those plans.

He says it is still early days but the plan is part of an ongoing
co-operative program between America and Australia.

Western Australian Premier Richard Court says he had no knowledge
of a proposal to locate a United States missile testing range in
the north west of the state.

Mr Court unsuccessfully tried to obtain details of the project from
the Federal Government this morning.

The State is the favoured location to develop a joint US/Australian
facility to launch missiles for warships to use as practice
targets.

The Premier believes Australia needs to escalate its defence
presence in the region but not in conjunction with the United
States.

Mr Court says Australia should not be relying on foreign powers to
meet its defence needs.

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