“As Chinese warships conduct live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea just 300km from Sydney; Australia has no time to waste to strengthen its defence force and prove to allies and enemies that it takes its defence seriously,” said John Storey, Director of Law and Policy at the Institute of Public Affairs
The sixth and final report in the Institute of Public Affairs and Strategic Analysis Australia’s Defence of Australia series, The US alliance, the North, and cultural change, outlines key recommendations, for immediate action, to address Australia’s current strategic shortcomings, including:
- Ending the Port of Darwin lease to China and expanding the Port’s military use.
- Issuing a joint “Darwin Statement” to recalibrate our shared security commitment with our most important defence partner, the United States, and to sustain alliance momentum with the Trump administration.
- Acquiring two additional squadrons of F-35B fighter jets suitable for use in remote northern Australia to enhance our defensive airpower.
- Negotiating with Papua New Guinea to establish a permanent ADF presence.
- Reducing ADF senior officer and public service executive positions, thus cutting bureaucracy and making the ADF less risk averse.
- Relocating the Australian Defence Force Academy outside of the Canberra bubble.
“The threats facing Australia today demand immediate action. Whichever party forms government after the next federal election must move beyond outdated assumptions of security and focus on deterrence, alliances, and investment in our northern defences,” said Mr Storey.
“Australia’s current defence investments do not match the speed at which threats are emerging in the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the US alliance with a clear, proactive commitment to defence burden-sharing is essential to maintaining regional stability.”
“Australia will come to rely on the North like never before, however in this region we are largely defenceless. We need to deploy increased military power here and ensure the Port of Darwin is reclaimed so this vital piece of infrastructure can be used to aid our defence,” said Mr Storey.
The report also calls for a cultural shift within the Australian Defence Force to improve responsiveness and efficiency. Decades of Canberra-led bureaucratic expansion have hindered its ability to address emerging threats.
“We must reverse inefficiency by cutting excessive senior management, shifting resources to frontline capability, and fostering a more operationally focused ADF,” said Mr Storey.
“The Australian Defence Force Academy—our military University —should close its Canberra campus and relocate to campuses around the country, particularly in the North. We need an officer corps connected to Australian society, not schooled in the ways of the Canberra bubble.”
The Defence of Australia research series has delivered a detailed blueprint for the federal government to follow over the next three years to rapidly strengthen Australia’s defence force as we face the most challenging security environment since the Second World War.
“There is no time to waste to make the changes we need. Our allies and our enemies need to understand that Australia, while not seeking a conflict, is hardened to repel it,” said Mr Storey.
“From missile defence, to fuel security, and airpower capabilities, Australia must be ready for modern warfare. The Defence of Australia series provides a clear roadmap to safeguard national security in an era of uncertainty.”
“The research is sobering. What is clear is we can no longer take a business-as-usual approach to our defence. Australia is exposed to hostile intent – we need to act today to prevent conflict tomorrow,” said Mr Storey.
To download the report The US alliance, the North, and cultural change click here.
To learn more about the IPA & SAA Defence of Australia research series click here.
