Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy calls for protestors to show ‘respect’ for ADF

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists have clashed with police outside an international military fair in Sydney as the Albanese Government defends buying weapons from Israel and tells protestors to show respect to members of the armed forces.

Over a dozen arrests have been made on the opening day of the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition and capsicum spray has been used against several people who tried to block the entrance to the conference on Darling Harbour.

Some of Israel’s largest defence companies, including Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, are showcasing products at this week’s convention which includes almost 60 international delegations and dozens of visiting Navy chiefs.

Inside the heavily protected conference venue, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy defended purchasing military equipment from Israel during the Gaza war, saying it was crucial to get the best possible kit for the Australian Defence Force.

“We make no apology for making sure that our soldiers, sailors and aviators have the best equipment to protect Australia’s interest like deterrence in our region, and that includes sourcing parts from companies throughout the world”.

He also insisted the Government had not supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel for five years when asked about revelations in The Nightly that Defence Export Controls recently issued fresh restrictions on Australian firms sending equipment to Israel.

“Everything goes through a strict export licensing regime. The only export licences that are being approved right now is for ADF equipment that is going to Israel for either repair or upgrade or manufacture to come back to Australia,” Mr Conroy told reporters.

In Parliament Greens Senator David Shoebridge questioned Foreign Minister Penny Wong about The Nightly’s report and asked whether similar restrictions would now be placed on local companies involved in the supply chain for the F-35 aircraft program.

The Defence Department has so far declined to answer specific questions about the regulator’s latest written edict to Australian suppliers, citing “national security and commercial in confidence reasons”.

During a breakfast to open the three-day conference, Defence Minister Richard Marles warned Australia’s military operations to protect its sea trade routes, including through the South China Sea, were becoming riskier.

“That work is challenging and in truth it is becoming increasingly risky. The biggest military build-up in the world today is China. That it is happening without strategic reassurance means that for Australia and so many countries a response is demanded.”

Later at a press conference alongside Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Mr Conroy urged protesters outside Sydney’s International Convention Centre to show “respect”.

“We live in a vibrant democracy, and everyone has the right to protest as long as they’re peaceful, but what I’m calling for is respect for the ADF and respect for the 100,000 Australians who work in the Australian defence industry”.

“These people get up each day and produce equipment and parts to support the ADF, to contribute to our sovereignty and self-reliance and to make Australia safer,” Mr Conroy said.

“So, people have a right to protest, but they should respect the fact that Australians are getting up, helping make Australia safer while putting food on their families’ table”.

In a statement Vice Admiral Hammond said this year’s conference, with the theme “Strength at Sea = Security and Prosperity at Home”, served “as a critical platform for our Navy to advance dialogue on shared maritime challenges”.

“The theme of this year’s conference highlights the Royal Australian Navy’s enduring mission — rooted in Australia’s reliance on secure and open access to the sea.”

“As a three-ocean island trading nation, Australia’s strategic interests span the breadth of the Indo-Pacific and our Navy is imperative to that,” the Navy Chief said.

“In today’s complex security environment, it is more critical than ever that we work collaboratively with regional partners to uphold the peace and stability that form the foundation of both Australia’s national security and economic prosperity.”