Australia needs a clearer security strategy

Unless we have a clear threat scenario, vagaries such as ‘drums of war’, ‘defence of Australia’, ‘shape, deter, respond’ and ‘balanced force’ are useless for real security planning.

Getting the right balance in fighting COVID-19

The government’s response to both Covid-19 and climate change strikes a balance between managing risks and mitigating costs to maintain a strong economy and protect the livelihoods of working Australians.

Australia’s defence and security: Are we doing enough?

Given that anything in Australian defence takes decades to mature, an upcoming election is the perfect time to talk about the issue of defence and security.

Beefing up the Parliamentary Defence Committee

Australia’s Parliamentary defence committee should be given the power to pursue a national security strategy, given the increasing threat of China in the region and the relative military decline of the United States.

Once bitten, twice shy – Getting real about Australia’s security

Australia’s reliance on an over-stretched, under-resourced Royal Navy was exposed by Japan in the Second World War and we must not make the same mistake by over-relying on the USA as China steps up its regional ambitions and power.

Australia needs a clear national security strategy

Australia needs to move towards a holistic security strategy directed much more specifically by government. And this must start with an acknowledgement of the principal threats to Australia in a changing strategic environment.

Knights in shining armour: AFVs in the Australian Army

The Australian army has always been curiously reluctant to commit tanks and armoured vehicles to the battlefield, but far from being obsolete, armour continues to play a vital role in modern counter-insurgency and warfare.