Greens welcome Obama and call for parliamentary debate on US military build-up

"The Greens are looking forward to joining the welcome for President Obama," Australian Greens Leader Senator Brown said today.

"It will be so refreshing. Quite different to the visit of George W Bush," Senator Brown said in Hobart.

Senator Brown also called for a parliamentary debate on the build-up of US military personnel, equipment and training in Australia.

"There should be a parliamentary and public debate, about the proposed increase of the US military presence before it is agreed to."

"Australia should not weaken its ability to have an independent relationship with its neighbours in its own region," Senator Brown said.