Finocchiaro admits she has not been briefed on Russia military proposal reports
The Chief Minister was not briefed on the recent Russian military scare. Read the details.
Northern Territory
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Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro revealed on Wednesday she had not been briefed about reports the Russian military were eyeing off an Indonesian military base 1300 km northeast of Darwin.
Ms Finocchiaro — who has been on personal leave for two weeks — returned to her role as the Northern Territory’s top boss on Wednesday, the day after the news first broke on military website Janes.
According to Janes, Russia asked Indonesia for special permission to station long-range aircraft at Manuhua Air Force Base, situated on the south side of the Biak Numfor Island in Papua.
Defence Minister Richard Marles late Tuesday said he was assured by his Indonesian counterpart Russian planes would not be stationed in Indonesia.
However, Mr Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have not yet confirmed whether Russia made the request in the first place.
The reports led Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to wrongly claim the Indonesian President had “publicly announced” Russia was seeking to base long-range military aircraft in Indonesia, leading to a firm rebuke from Labor politicians.
Ms Finocchiaro said the supposed request “highlighted” the need for a stronger defence presence and focus in the Top End.
“This does highlight the strategic importance of the Northern Territory and the defence security of this nation,” the Chief Minister said.
“It’s something successive federal governments have completely dropped the ball on.”
Ms Finocchiaro said the upcoming Northern Australia Defence Summit, held in Darwin on April 29, would showcase the Territory’s defence capabilities.
“We will be showcasing our local capacity to show our allies and the Australian Defence Force the Territory has what it takes to get the job done,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“We also look forward to welcoming the Japanese Self-Defence Force for their first rotation to the Territory.”
Ms Finocchiaro said the news of Russia’s request should be a reminder to the federal government of the strategic importance of the Territory.
“What Territorians should be concerned about is a lack of commitment from the federal government to increase the defence strategic importance of the Northern Territory,” she said.
“It’s something we’re very focused on.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, Labor’s Luke Gosling and CLP candidate Lisa Bayliss had their first debate on Sky News for the seat of Solomon.
Defence policy featured prominently on the debate, with presenter Matt Cunningham revealing a 22 per cent drop in defence personnel stationed in the NT since 2010.
Mr Gosling described the current situation as “uncertain strategic times”, committing to increasing defence personnel in the Territory.
“The talk of Russia having a base close to Darwin is quite concerning,” Ms Bayliss said.
“Our national security is an important thing — We are the gateway to Asia in Darwin.”
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Originally published as Finocchiaro admits she has not been briefed on Russia military proposal reports
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