Fed: Australia doesn't need extra battalion: Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2004
Fed: Australia doesn't need extra battalion: Howard

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says Australia doesn't need an extra infantry battalion
as mooted by Labor.

Opposition defence spokesman KIM BEAZLEY says a Labor government would create a 750-strong
infantry battalion to fight regional terrorism.

And he's called for a closer military relationship with South-East Asian nations.

But Mr HOWARD says current levels are adequate.

He also says Mr BEAZLEY's confused voters by briefing a Melbourne newspaper about the
proposal but refusing to elaborate during an interview on ABC TV today.

Mr HOWARD also denies Australia needs to build closer security ties to South-East Asia.

AAP RTV jh/lm

KEYWORD: TERROR HOWARD (SYDNEY)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.