“The shift which we need to see is from viewing AUKUS as defence policy, to viewing it as nation-building policy – or even economic future-proofing policy,” Bran Black, Business Council of Australia CEO, was quoted as saying at the end of an article about this continent becoming a “central base” of US military operations in the Indo Pacific.

The main thrust of the piece in the Weekend Australian was an exclusive conversation that the Murdoch press had with US Republican congressman Michael McCaul, who waxed lyrical about the opportunities that the tearing down of military trade barriers that the Albanese government has recently partaken in brings in terms of a deterrence upon China and the lead up to World War III.

Indeed, during his 10-day visit to this country, McCaul, the chair of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs announced that the Biden administration had granted defence trade exemptions from the US for us, which means it has relaxed its International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) red tape.

“I am pleased the administration has finally provided the long overdue defence trade exemption to two of our closest allies, Australia” and the UK, a 15 August statement outlines. But the US politician then laments that the reforms have not completely abolished “big government regulation”, which will continue to “hamper” deterrence capabilities in the Indo Pacific.

“Darwin is the… epicentre of the organisation projecting power through the South China Sea to China,” McCaul told Sky News, following a visit to the Northern Territory capital last week. “And getting these alliances there sends a very strong message to Chairman Xi, that the risk outweighs the reward.”

Deep in the outback, a flurry of construction by Australia and the United States is transforming this once quiet military installation into a potential launchpad in case of conflict with China.

Runways are being expanded and strengthened to accommodate the allies’ biggest airplanes, including American B-52 bombers. A pair of massive fuel depots is rising side by side to supply U.S. and Australian fighter jets. And two earth-covered bunkers have been built for U.S. munitions.

But the activity at RAAF Tindal, less than 2,000 miles from the emerging flash points of the South China Sea, isn’t unique. Across Australia, decades-old facilities — many built by the United States during World War II — are now being dusted off or upgraded amid growing fears of another global conflict.

Marles declined to comment on the increasing rotations ... but said the trajectory is “an increasing American force posture in Australia.”

As the US prepares to increase its military presence across northern Australia, a Darwin-based policy expert is urging the next Northern Territory government to land a “fair and reasonable deal” with the Commonwealth ahead of the arrival of American firepower.

The appeal comes after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declared the US would deploy more personnel and combat aircraft to northern Australia amid escalating tension across the Indo-Pacific region.

“We’re also increasing the presence of rotational US forces in Australia, and all this will mean more maritime patrol aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft operating from bases across northern Australia,” Mr Austin told a press conference in Maryland.

“It will also mean more frequent rotational bomber deployments.”

While Mr Austin did not specify how many personnel or assets would arrive to Australia – or when – the announcement was met with enthusiasm by Solomon MP Luke Gosling, who said up to $18 billion would support the big move to the Territory.

A drunken British Royal Marine, who copped a face full of pepper spray after launching himself at a police officer who was arresting his colleague following a night out at Monsoons, has avoided a conviction.

Luis Estuardo McQuade pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday to assaulting, resisting and hindering police after the bibulous “moment of madness” in the early hours of August 5.

Prosecutor Brittany Stone told the court McQuade was celebrating the end of his deployment with colleagues at Monsoons when he became intoxicated and was removed by security “as a result of his behaviour”.

After an NT Police senior constable arrested one of his friends, Ms Stone said the 26-year-old ran straight at the officer, put both his arms around his shoulders and neck and tried to pull him back.

“During the struggle with police (a constable) deployed pepper spray into the eyes of the defendant,” Ms Stone said.

US military activity will ramp up along the Northern Territory coastline, with more American bombers and fighter jets set to operate out of the Top End as early as next year, while long-range guided missiles will also be manufactured domestically in an effort to bolster the nation’s northern defences.

“We’re also increasing the presence of rotational US forces in Australia, and all this will mean more maritime patrol aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft operating from bases across northern Australia,” he said.

“It will also mean more frequent rotational bomber deployments.”