Politics Now On Background || Defending Australia
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Apr 25, 2025 Peter Dean, Director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the US Studies Centre, and Jennifer Parker from the ANU's National Security College, dive into Australia's evolving defense landscape. They discuss the proposal to raise defense spending amid rising global tensions, particularly concerning China. The conversation highlights recruitment challenges within the Defence Force, the critical role of military reserves, and the complexities of budgeting under the current government. Their insights reveal the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to enhance national security.
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Australia's Security Challenges
- Rising global instability and China's regional power threaten Australia's security environment.
- Australia's Defence Force currently has critical capability gaps that limit its effectiveness in emerging conflicts.
Shifting Strategic Landscape
- Australia is now at the centre of strategic shifts unlike during the Cold War.
- Geographic distance is still an asset, but modern weapons diminish its protective value.
Prioritize Vulnerabilities Over Equipment
- Defence policy should prioritize identifying vulnerabilities before specifying exact equipment.
- Experts should recommend specific capability needs rather than politicians announcing shopping lists.