International flights into Australia have been stopped and people coming in by ship quarantined because of the risk of bringing in the Covid-19 infection. But the same rule has not yet been applied to the 2,500 US marines due to arrive in Darwin next month. Reacting to this apparent double standard, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) has responded.
In a strong letter addressed to the Minister for Defence,
Senator Linda Reynolds, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)
has pointed out the risk of allowing 2,500 USA marine personnel to start
arriving in Darwin next month.
IPAN’s letter insists that restrictions on non-Australians arriving in the
country should be applied consistently across the board. “There should be no
special exceptions made on the basis of whether or not an individual happens to
be a member of the USA’s armed services”, said IPAN’s spokesperson Justin
Tutty.
“Any marines in Darwin should immediately be returned to the USA, and no
further marines permitted in Australia in the foreseeable future”.
“We note that USA forces in Europe already have cases of COVID-19 amongst their
number[1] (#_ftn1) . Clearly, military personnel are no more or less likely
than ordinary citizens to contract or transmit the disease, which is
indiscriminate in who it infects.”
“We have therefore called on the Minister to preclude the arrival of the
marines scheduled to arrive in Darwin from the beginning of April, and asked
her to indicate that they will not be coming during this time of crisis.”
“Furthermore, the movement of foreign personnel through Pine Gap is
particularly urgent for the people of Alice Springs, who include many
vulnerable indigenous people., but is also critically important for Australians
generally”.
“The emergence and spread of the COVID-19 requires that the Government take
this step to protect the nation from the spread of Coronavirus”.
“In IPAN’s view, national security involves a lot more than mere military
security and protecting the health of the nation should be the priority at this
critical time”.
“We look forward to hearing a public announcement on this matter in coming
days.”
The very reason military demobilise so quickly was demonstrated at the end of WW1, when military camps became hotspots for infection with H1N1. More died there than in the trenches. Community transmission is evident in the USA. These unnecessary people should not come here.
We have already had American tourists spreading the virus in Australia, why allow thousands more to enter?
The same rules for all. They should not be allowed in.
I studied post graduate medicine with the RAN. My husband was a Surgeon Captain in RAN. Troups catch and spread disease. Doctors in ADF know this well.
2500 US servicemen in NT will be very dangerous.
This what spread the 1918 flu American troop movements the one thing we learn from history is we learn fuck all from history
with parliament closed and no opposition, I’m thinking Morrison is looking to form a dictatorship and use US troops to help him. he’s not incompetent, he’s dangerous.
This makes no sense. Why are 2,500 US Marine Personnel being allowed to enter Australia in April when Australia is supposed to be in lock-down. No one other than Australian residents & citizens were supposedly to enter the country. These US personnel are just as likely to be infected with the virus as are other US personnel serving in the Middle East.
They can have the same rules. 14 day isolation & testing, just like we’re afforded.
We are all human so let’s be humane
We don’t need these marines here at this time..I know Mr Trump would allow it on his soil..so STOP them coming here
Shouldn’t even be a consideration whilst the world is practical locked down.
Definitely not.
Closed borders to protect people applies to every person who could be a risk of having CV19
We have had enough transmission from other countries
The Australian Government has the duty if s are to look after ist people
Sorry, but MAYBE we need them!?
China currently has the Lease on the Darwin port, & it SEEMS they were responsible for the virus & MAYBE the earlier mis-management!?
There are people who suspect it was spread from there &OR somewhere (MAYBE via Canada!?) ON PURPOSE to cause this ‘Plandemic’ & shutdown.. & usher in the new paradigm in which we’re currently living.
It’s part of a Plan that’s been in the making for Decades, & the resistance is real too,
& so we’re in an ‘Ideology’ war zone!
I’d like them looking out for me, please!!
& don’t worry too much, I suggest the marines will have ALL been tested..
I suggest it’ll be a HIGH priority!
Just too risky for our Indigenous communities up north….
Protect Australians first.
Close the borders to US marines. We don’t want you. Ever.
Why are the Marines coming here in the first place! They should be in their own country looking after their own families. This is so so so stupid! The Australian people are self isolating and are being told to not travel or go out unless it is needed. PLEASE for the safety of our nation do NOT let the Marines in. They could be infected.
the government may need them
I’m all for the troops in the current situation.
Very concerning to think oh how destabilising the region could be without them.
God bless America
Is there any force on the planet as destabilising as the US military…unless you have a different definition for the term? You really do need to be more widely informed than reading the Australian.
Another pointless consequence of Gillards appalling brown nosing of the Obama regime. Even without the Plague, what on earth use to Australian defence is this deployment rotation? R&R? Money for the local hookers?
The same rule for everyone. Do not let them into our cou try at this time. The risk is initially to all our indigenous peoples up there as well as others.