Australian FM to discuss increase U.S. military presence in Northern Territory

Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith on Thursday arrived in Darwin for talk with Northern Territory (NT) state Chief Minister Paul Henderson about increasing the U.S. military presence in the state. Smith confirmed to national broadcasting network ABC News that the nation was in talks with the U.S. about boosting American military presence in the NT, including plans for more U.S. boats, planes and troops to visit or be based in the NT. "We (Australia and U.S.) have been working closely to look at the possibility of more training, more exercises," he said. He said the U.S. was looking at storing equipment in Darwin for disaster and humanitarian assistance. "The closer you can pre-position stores and equipment for disaster and humanitarian assistance the more quickly you can get into the field," he said. Smith said there had also been discussions about buying land near Robertson Barracks in Darwin for this purpose. During his visit to NT, Smith will also meet with Brigadier Gus McLachlan, Commander of the 1st Brigade, and soldiers at Robertson Barracks. The minister will also discuss on the project Single LEAP, a housing program to deliver up to 6,400 rooms across Australia for defence personnel so they can live in single bedroom units.