The Australian Defence Force told the United States two years ago that it could not help create a new military task force in the Red Sea region because of the need for resources within Australia and in the Indo-Pacific region.
In recent months, Albania has been under constant criticism for not sending ** to help respond to Iranian-backed Houthi rebel attacks on civilian traffic through this key route.
During Morrison's administration, the United States made a similar request to Australia, when the commander of the U.S.-led Joint Maritime Force (CMF) asked for help in creating a new Joint Task Force in the region.
In a February 2022 letter to the ADF, the U.S. senior ** wrote: "I encourage you to participate in and support CTF 153Whether in the form of the provision of CTF personnel, maritime or air forces, or to some extent assuming command. ”
I would appreciate it if you would also consider assigning any units you may have in transit through the Red Sea to joint or direct support for Task Force 153. ”
Two months later, just after the federal elections were held on 10 April, the head of joint operations of the Australian Defence Force replied that he was grateful for the invitation but explained that Australia's existing contribution to the region could not be increased.
Australia remains committed to supporting regional stability and maritime security in regions that are critical to global ** and prosperity," Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, seen by ABC, responded in an April 14 correspondence.
However, given our significant commitments at home and in the Indo-Pacific region, we are unable to increase our current contribution to the Combined Maritime Force (CMF). ”
Just before Christmas last year, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Australia would not send ** to the Red Sea region, but would send "almost three times" of personnel to the U.S.-led Marine Corps.
After Monday's Senate budget hearing, the League accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of being "absent" from last year's US military request.
"PM&c** confirmed that the Prime Minister's Office had been informed of the US demands, but Albanen did not take any action and did not make any demands – his department only heard crickets," the opposition said in a statement. ”
In 2018, then-Admiral Mike Noonan said Australia would begin withdrawing its maritime presence in the Middle East as it wanted to concentrate resources in the southwest Pacific.