The Federal government denies the US is establishing a military base in WA, but growing concerns suggest otherwise.

With US troop deployments now double original estimates and the Navy implementing its standard overseas support framework, critics argue NSA Stirling is functioning as a de facto base.

Press PLAY to hear Dr Elizabeth Buchanan discuss the US military build-up in WA

Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior fellow Dr Elizabeth Buchanan told 6PR Mornings host Simon Beaumont that Australia isn’t investing in its own defence capacity, instead getting a free ride off the US.

“The government must stop telling the Australian taxpayer that we are investing in the future nuclear submarine workforce and industry if the plan is that the nuclear workforce will be centred and operating out of this NSA Stirling and the US will man their own workforce”, she said.

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Image: US Department of War