Max Bradford National Defence Spokesperson

25 October 2001

National supports SOS legal challenge

National supports the Save Our Squadrons Campaign legal challenge of the Government's decision to disband the air combat force, National's Defence spokesperson Max Bradford said today.

"We disagree with the Government's defence policy announced in May and the passage of time, with the terrorist attacks of September 11, proves that an air combat capability is a vital part of any country's defence force.

"The Government had no electoral mandate to axe the air force squadrons.

"It was churlish of the Government to withdraw that capability when it could have left it operating for another two years as the Australians had wanted.

"We support the Campaign seeking an injunction to prevent the Government from disbanding the air force," Mr Bradford said.

Ends

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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