Australia and America Alliance


1. Who is Steven Smith and what important role does he play for the Australian Government?


He is Defense Minister in Washington and he helps the Australian - US alliance continue. He helps Australia and he controls the military and therefore is helping the relationship of America and Australia become larger.


2. What is the Brookings Institution where Mr. Smith delivered his speech?


It is a non-profit public organisation in Washington dc. It allows people to discuss issues and provide information about certain topics.


3. What role does the Australia/US Alliance play in Australia's 'strategic and security arrangements'?


Australia has previously hosted the US for different systems. America has given sensitive information to Australia to keep on the down low and therefore this guarantee's Australia's alliance with America as they don't want the information spilled. 


4. What is important about Australia's global location for this alliance?


Australia is located in the Asia-Pacific region and therefore is in the centre of gravity and as economic, political, military and strategic influence shifted.


5. What contributions has Australia made to this alliance for the last 50 years?


They have hosted and supported some of the US's most sensitive and critical strategic capabilities. 


6. What did the minister say about the Australian companies who do business with the US?


The minister said 9000 Australian companies did business in the US. "They pay an average wage of $US70,000 ($63,490) per employee per annum and include your largest shopping-centre owner and two of your largest 20 banks.


7. Why does the minister point out this information about this company? What does it highlight about the relationship between Australia and the US?


Because it stresses the fact that Australia is an ally that adds value. Australia does it so from a vantage point of  respect, not dependency. It shows that Australia really is helping America during their time of economic problems.


8. What is the country central to Australia's relationships in the region?


Australia is really trying to get a strong relationship with China. Australia wants to be in an "harmonious environment" with China.


9. What is Australia trying to foster with this country?


They want to be in an harmonious environment and have strong military relations. 


10. Why do you think that this is important to Australia?


Australia is making connections so that they will be more liked and therefore get more favours from China as it is.






1. What is the US planning on locating in Australia? Where? Why?


Australia is located in the arc running from the Indian Ocean through to the Asia Pacific region. This therefore gives the United States a strategic focus to be closer to where a natural disaster may occur and therefore already have plenty of supplies and tools if the time does arise. It is going to be located in Woomera in WA.

2. What implications does this have on the coordination between Australian and American forces?


It ties them together and makes their relation stronger so that America is more of a big brother to Australia.