‘Free riding': Australia must increase defence spending to strengthen its position
Former foreign minister Alexander Downer argues Australia should not create the impression of 'free riding' off the US amid calls to increase defence spending.
'Well, we don't want to give the Americans the impression that we're free riding as the Europeans have been doing for a long time,' Mr Downer told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
'What's happened to Europe is that Russia has invaded Ukraine; Europe, if you like, is at war, and they are totally dependent on the Americans."
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