Army 'Seconds' for Iraq

Iraq is likely to get secondhand Australian Army trucks, Land Rovers and other surplus Military equipment as part of efforts to rebuild the country's forces.

Defence Minister Robert Hill, after talks with senior Coalition and Iraqi officials in Baghdad, confirmed that Canberra had been requested to supply Military equipment and vehicles.

Australia has already provided 55 personnel to help train the Iraqi Army and a further 12 trainers are helping the Iraqi navy learn how to operate its new patrol boats.

Speaking at a news conference after talks with Iraq's US administrator, Paul Bremer, and Iraqi Defence Minister Ali Alawi, Senator Hill said Australia was prepared to help with Military rebuilding if it was the wish of the Iraqis.

"There's been some discussion between the new Ministry, the Iraqi Defence Ministry and our officials in relation to some of the Australian land equipment, particularly vehicles, but that hasn't got further than exploratory discussion," Senator Hill said.

"Our emphasis to date has been to help the new Ministry become established and to help with the training of the new Iraqi forces."

Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Aldo Borgu said that if Australia did make a contribution, it would probably be "old trucks, semi-trailers, Land Rovers, that type of thing".

"There is plenty of this sort of surplus-to-requirements transport stuff around," he told The Australian.

The Howard Government will spend up to $Aus 3 billion replacing a range of ageing Military trucks, semi-trailers and other field vehicles as part of its $Aus 50 billion 10-year capability plan.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty confirmed plans outlined by Justice Minister Chris Ellison at the weekend to send Police trainers to Jordan to train Iraqi Police.

"We've been in discussion about sending trainers to Jordan under the umbrella of the United Kingdom training that's been provided to Police in Iraq," Mr Keelty said.

"We wouldn't send our people to Iraq, and we've been talking with the Government about the opportunity to provide training through this facility in Jordan."


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