[ONA-ASIS]

Possession of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by terrorists would constitute a direct, undeniable and lethal threat to Australia and its people.

Australia’s alliance with the United States is also a factor – unapologetically so.

An alliance such as ours with the United States is a two way process. Australians should never forget that no nation is more important to our long-term security than the United States.

If the world is incapable of dealing strongly and effectively with Iraq it will not effectively discipline North Korea. If the Security Council fails the Iraqi test it will surely fail the test of North Korea.

Australia is a western nation. Nothing can, will or should, change that. As such we are a terrorist target.

This is a regime that will gouge out the eyes of a child to force a confession from the parent. This is a regime that will burn a person’s limbs off to force compliance or confession. This is a regime that in 2000 decreed that the crime of criticising it would be punished by cutting out the offender’s tongue.

We have chosen to take a strong position because the government believes that vital Australian interests are at stake.

Jonny get's it. Australia stands ready with our American brothers. You won't be going into Iraq alone.

[smpc]

Im glad he mentioned Australia is a target because we're western and because of East Timor.NOT because we always support the US.

Im also glad he said,in question time,that his decision about Aussie troops will not be effected by whether or not the Brits fight.

[Savage Beast]

I lost all respect for and interest in the National Press Club when I saw the videotape of its response to Matt Drudge when, upon their invitation, he addressed its members.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

Great read bump...

[Mihalis]

Best speech I've read in a long time.

[Mihalis]

Can someone tell me what percentage of the Australian public supports the US?