David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

For the senator's benefit, there are a number of circumstances spelt out in the clauses with in the ANZUS Treaty, and a direct attack upon the sovereignty of either nation is mentioned. That was not what was put to me. If the senator needs a lesson in the workings of the ANZUS Treaty, I refer you respectfully, as difficult as that might be, to the historical connection—and there has only been one occasion when we have enacted and responded pursuant to the treaty.

Let's just underline the national interest here. There is no national interest in us speculating about these matters. We have gone forward with the United States at every opportunity as a trusted friend and as a trusted ally, and I believe they are very happy with the way the ANZUS alliance is working.