Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Neil James, of the Australian Defence Association, found the timing and location of the exercise puzzling. On the issue of perception, he said:

Australia is not involved in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states in Yemen. And we should avoid any such connection.

What discussions were held within government and Defence prior to this exercise going ahead to avoid the perception of complicity in this blockade and a taint on the Royal Australian Navy?