Sea change for plastic pollution?

Global efforts to curb plastic pollution are nearing a decisive moment, with negotiations for a binding international treaty entering their final stage. Regardless of the outcome, Australia has a vital opportunity to lead the Indo-Pacific in creating a regional action plan to combat marine plastics.

Progress in the Pacific

Australia and its western allies have enjoyed some success in stemming the increasing economic, diplomatic and military influence of China in PNG and the Pacific but there is no cause for complacency.

Building on Penny Wong’s visit to Palau

Australia should do more to ensure small island states like Palau can develop economically and protect themselves from aggressors.

The plastic Pacific

The Albanese government is advancing Australia’s Pacific interests by supporting island nations’ efforts to deal with marine plastics pollution.

Protecting Pacific maritime law

The growth of coastguards and other maritime law enforcement forces has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, and Australia should play a role in ensuring these support rather than undermine the rules based international order.

A sailor with the sea in his soul

Sam Bateman, one of Australia’s and the region’s finest maritime and strategic thinkers and leaders. died last week at the age of 82.

It’s time for a public–private partnership in national security

The threats we face don’t recognise the walls that exist between Australian businesses and national security agencies. To safeguard Australia, we need to put more doors in those divisions.

Australia and France should collaborate on environmental security

A new report outlines the risk to security from environmental threats in the Southern Ocean and the ways in which France and Australia can collaborate to mitigate them.

Stepping up without stamping out Pacific infrastructure

Three simple measures could help improve Australia’s aid, commercial and security relationships with Pacific Island Nations, while encouraging development in the region.

Businesses can help Australia’s step-up in the Pacific

It’s time to build a more deliberate and far-reaching partnership between government and business to further Australia’s interests in the Pacific.

Fostering a culture of disaster preparedness

The devastating floods we’ve recently seen in Japan are an indicator of the kinds of challenges we’re facing as a result of a changing climate. How should Australia prepare for similar disasters in the near future?