My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Minister Wong. Reporting from the Guardian and the Nautilus Institute released today has revealed that the US has either direct control of or access to over 100 Australian military bases. This includes US surveillance and intelligence gathering, troop deployment, pre-positioning warfighting assets, fuel hubs, munitions caches and more. The US has made Australia into a forward operating base. Why have you signed us up to the next US war like this, where, whoever they go to war with, we will inevitably be involved?

I'd make a few points. Senator, I think you've made no secret of your personal views, and also I think they reflect the Greens political party in that you don't want an alliance with the United States; you want us to not have an alliance with the United States. I think we should start with clarity around the different positions we take. We are of the view that the US alliance contributes to Australian sovereignty. It enables us to have access to a range of capabilities that Australia would not have access to. I would make the point that the sovereignty arrangements under the facilities that you outline remain so that they are Australian facilities. As with all US force posture activities, access to and use of Australian facilities and areas are on a rotational basis, mutually determined and at Australia's invitation. These are Australian bases under Australian command.

I know, Senator Shoebridge, you have a different view. You're entitled to that view. You want us to cut ties with most of the world, and most of your policy would ensure we wouldn't have a functioning defence force. Nevertheless, you are entitled to those views. The government doesn't agree with them.

Senator Shoebridge, first supplementary?

We have all seen US bases being targeted and attacked, and I've heard from people living near US bases here, whether it's in WA or in the NT, who are scared about the growing US footprint and what it means for the safety of them and their families. These bases obviously make Australia a target when the US decides to start its next forever war, don't they, Minister?

I think that's a comment, Senator. You're making a set of assumptions about conflict. Everything I do and everything the government is doing is working to deter and avert conflict because we understand, through the history of experience and also what we can see around this world, the potential consequences for our country and our people of a conflict in our region, and everything we do, both in the strategic and military domain and in my domain is about averting—

Senator Shoebridge?

My point of order is on relevance. My question was about US bases making Australia a target, and the minister has not touched it. I know it's awkward, but she hasn't touched it.

The minister is being relevant to your question, and I'll continue to listen carefully.

I know it's embarrassing.

Senator, what is embarrassing is the position that you take, which is to pretend that we can avert our eyes from the strategic circumstances of our region.

Senator Shoebridge, second supplementary?

Minister, show us your mettle. Can you provide a single example where the Albanese government at any time during your government has said no to the US having access to Australian bases?

First, we ensure that Australian sovereignty is maintained in relation to the framework of US rotational force posture. I would say to you that sovereignty decisions are always front of mind for how we operate in relation to these force posture arrangements. There's a fundamental difference. You want to cut ties with the US. We believe that the alliance—

Senator Shoebridge?

My point is again on relevance. My question was simple and straightforward—has there been one instance where this government has said no?—and the minister refuses to answer it.

Senator Shoebridge, a point of order is not an opportunity to make a statement. I've reminded you and other senators of that many times in this chamber. The minister is being relevant to your question, and I will continue to listen carefully.

I again say to you what I've said before. Access to and use of Australian facilities and areas under SRF-West is on a rotational basis.

You really want to interrupt the whole time. It's mutually determined and at Australia's invitation.

Senator Shoebridge, I worked very hard to make sure that your question was heard in silence. That same respect and courtesy is to be applied to the minister.

These are Australian bases under Australian command. That is the case under this government, and it will remain so. (Time expired)