Australia’s Strategic Military Alliances and Benefits

The Australia Letter

The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau, designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in the region. Sign up to receive it directly in your inbox. This week’s issue is penned by Julia Bergin, a reporter who explores the diverse landscapes and stories across Australia.

In the heart of Australia, the United States has significantly bolstered the operations at the Pine Gap spy base. Joint military exercises involving American and Australian forces near Darwin are becoming increasingly intricate and strategic. Meanwhile, the AUKUS agreement, which prominently features the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, is steadily progressing.

What does this all signify? As historian James Curran from the University of Sydney remarked last year while these plans were taking shape, “The permanent American military presence on Australian soil is now at a scale unprecedented since the Second World War.” This development has sparked a growing chorus of critics who question whether Australia is truly reaping sufficient benefits from this arrangement. Advocates, including major political parties in both nations, highlight the substantial U.S. investments in Australian military infrastructure, advanced weaponry, steel production, training initiatives, and personnel support.

Interestingly, the alliance has yielded some unexpected advantages. In 2005, in a gesture widely perceived as a token of appreciation for Australia’s military contributions, President George W. Bush’s administration introduced the E-3 visa. This special visa, renewable every two years, is exclusively available to Australians who have a valid job offer in the U.S. and hold a university degree.

For Australian military personnel, there are additional benefits that may not be as widely known. Some perks, such as complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego, are specifically reserved for Australian officers deployed in the United States. Others are accessible to all reserve, retired, and dependent Australian military members residing in Australia.

For those who enjoy winter sports, the news is particularly good. In 2018, Vail Resorts, which operates 42 ski areas across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe, launched a special initiative aimed at U.S., Australian, and Canadian defense personnel. This program was promoted as a tribute to “those who serve others.” The $177 “Epic Military Pass” offers a substantial discount on the Epic season pass, which typically costs $662 for Australians or $1,004 for U.S. residents (all figures expressed in U.S. dollars).