Question regarding WA Labor's policy on nuclear warships and potential conflict in Iraq, specifically how this policy was communicated during a delegation offering assistance to the US. The answer deflects responsibility to the Commonwealth and emphasizes UN resolutions.

AnsweredQoN 632Legislative Council
Asked
5 March 2003
Portfolio
Leader of the House representing the Premier

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to Australia’s involvement in the possible war in Iraq, will the leader please outline how the Western Australian Labor Party’s policy of opposition to the visits of nuclear-powered or armed warships was conveyed to the United States military when the McGowan delegation representing the Premier last July offered assistance in a US-led “War on Terrorism” which currently involves Western Australia providing naval support for a proposed war on Iraq? Hon KIM CHANCE

AnswerView source ↗

The Western Australian delegation was primarily promoting the Australian marine complex at Cockburn Sound for non-nuclear vessels. Responsibility for the entry of nuclear powered vessels into Australian ports rests with the Commonwealth. In relation to a possible war against Iraq, the Western Australian Government agrees with the Leader of the federal Opposition that Australia should only commit its support to any war consistent with the resolutions of the United Nations. The issue of Australian support should also be fully debated in the Commonwealth Parliament subsequent to the final resolutions adopted by the United Nations.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: The Western Australian delegation was primarily promoting the Australian marine complex at Cockburn Sound for non-nuclear vessels. Responsibility for the entry of nuclear powered vessels into Australian ports rests with the Commonwealth. In relation to a possible war against Iraq, the Western Australian Government agrees with the Leader of the federal Opposition that Australia should only commit its support to any war consistent with the resolutions of the United Nations. The issue of Australian support should also be fully debated in the Commonwealth Parliament subsequent to the final resolutions adopted by the United Nations.
The Western Australian delegation was primarily promoting the Australian marine complex at Cockburn Sound for non-nuclear vessels. Responsibility for the entry of nuclear powered vessels into Australian ports rests with the Commonwealth. In relation to a possible war against Iraq, the Western Australian Government agrees with the Leader of the federal Opposition that Australia should only commit its support to any war consistent with the resolutions of the United Nations. The issue of Australian support should also be fully debated in the Commonwealth Parliament subsequent to the final resolutions adopted by the United Nations.

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