Text Fwd: [Australia] [nousbases] Govt irresponsible on swine flu, say peace campaigners

* Text Fwd from Hannah Middleton and Agatha Haun on May 29, 2009

Media Release

Govt irresponsible on swine flu, say peace campaigners

The Federal Government is being accused of risking Australian lives and health from Swine Flu by allowing thousands of US military personnel into the country to take part in a massive military exercise in Queensland in early July.

Opponents of Operation Talisman Saber have called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, to cancel the exercise.

The operation, which takes place in Australia every two years, will see 15,000 US troops and 8,000 ADF personnel converging on the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland from July 9-13.

"With swine flu now spreading rapidly between human beings, and the United States one of the points of contagion, the Federal and Queensland Governments must not allow US troops to enter Australia for the Talisman Saber military exercises," Denis Doherty, national convenor of the Australian Anti-Bases Campaign, said.

"Health Minister Nicola Roxon has pointed out that this disease is highly infectious," he said.

"She has also said there is concern with the Australian flu season approaching".

"The people of Rockhampton will be at special risk with so many of the US soldiers visiting the town and camped near the airport," Mr Doherty said.

"We oppose the military exercises on economic, environmental and security grounds. However, at this time, our major concerns are for the health of our communities", he added.

"We are calling on the Federal Government to cancel the Talisman Saber 2009 military exercises," Mr Doherty concluded.

Contact Denis Doherty 0418 290 663