Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne accused of being an ‘arms dealer’
DEFENCE Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has been accused of being an arms dealer amid secrecy over Australia’s military exports to Saudi Arabia.
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DEFENCE Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has been accused of being an arms dealer amid government secrecy over Australia’s military exports to Saudi Arabia.
Defence department officials are refusing to divulge details of four exports in the past year, citing commercial-in-confidence reasons for the Australian companies involved.
But they insist whatever equipment has been exported is not being used in the Yemen conflict and a Saudi-led coalition bombing campaign.
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“I can assure the equipment that was exported are not being used for a purpose that is inconsistent with Australia’s international obligations and its current foreign policy,” deputy secretary Rebecca Skinner said.
That wasn’t good enough for Greens senator Scott Ludlam who was appalled by the lack of transparency.
transcript to follow: government being immensely cagey about providing details on Chris Pyne's Saudi arms deals #estimates
— Scott Ludlam (@SenatorLudlam) May 29, 2017
“You make it sound like they are selling fruit and vegetables,” he said. He also accused Mr Pyne of being an arms dealer.
Defence Minister Marise Payne insisted Australia assessed defence exports against five criteria including human rights implications, foreign policy and national security.
The government was committed to growing and promoting Australia’s defence industry, she said.
US President Donald Trump struck a deal to sell $US110 billion (A$147.5b) of military equipment to Saudi Arabia during a recent lavish visit to the kingdom.
Originally published as Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne accused of being an ‘arms dealer’
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