Maritime Matters special episode: Launch of 'Time for a Coastguard' (Webinar)
Dec 18, 2024
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In this insightful discussion, Jennifer Parker, an author and former Navy officer, advocates for creating a dedicated Australian Coastguard to bolster maritime security. Bec Strating, an expert in international relations, highlights the need to reassess Australia's maritime strategy amidst evolving global threats. Retired Rear Admiral Lee Goddard emphasizes the importance of collaborative maritime defense. Together, they delve into asylum management, regional cooperation in the Pacific, and strategies to build political support for this vital initiative.
A dedicated Australian Coast Guard could enhance maritime security and allow the Royal Australian Navy to focus on high-end warfare.
The complexity of maritime security threats requires a reconfiguration of strategies to address both civil and military roles effectively.
Establishing a Coast Guard could strengthen Australia's regional influence and cooperation with Pacific Island nations through collaborative maritime security initiatives.
Deep dives
Maritime Trade and Security Importance
Australia's maritime domain is crucial for its economy, as 98% of its trade transits through this area, with 91% of fuel imports also relying on maritime routes. Given that Australia's exclusive economic zone is larger than its landmass, the significance of effective maritime security cannot be emphasized enough. This positioning creates a need for a robust structure to monitor and protect these vast waters from evolving threats. The podcast highlights the essential nature of maritime security in the context of both national interests and regional stability.
Proposal for a Coast Guard
The central argument presented is the necessity for Australia to establish a Coast Guard. This would allow the Royal Australian Navy to focus on high-end warfare while ensuring that civil maritime threats are addressed effectively by a dedicated agency. Jennifer Parker, an expert in naval matters, articulates that current structures are inadequate to deal with the blurring lines between military and civil maritime activities. By reallocating responsibilities and resources, the proposed Coast Guard could enhance Australia’s capabilities in law enforcement while also promoting safety within its maritime boundaries.
Evolving Maritime Threats
Maritime security threats are increasingly complex, with a noted blurring of civil and military roles, particularly visible in regions like the South China Sea. Coast Guard vessels from multiple nations are engaged in assertive behaviors, posing challenges to smaller states. This trend necessitates a reconfiguration of Australia's maritime security strategies to deal with hybrid threats effectively, with a focus on non-traditional security challenges, such as illegal fishing and irregular migration. The need for a proactive approach in addressing these threats highlights the urgency for a dedicated Coast Guard structure.
Strategic Implications and Regional Cooperation
The discussion includes the strategic implications of maritime security frameworks and how these can affect regional cooperation. The potential for increased collaboration with Pacific Island nations through a Coast Guard model presents opportunities for enhancing Australia’s influence in maritime law enforcement. Establishing training programs and operational links could foster goodwill and stabilize maritime boundaries in the region. By positioning a Coast Guard as a regional hub for maritime governance, Australia could strengthen its soft power through cooperative maritime security initiatives.
Economic Considerations and Political Will
The need for political will and economic feasibility is crucial in moving forward with the Coast Guard proposal. Discussions focus on cost-effectiveness compared to current naval operations, particularly regarding resources directed at routine law enforcement tasks. An evidence-based review of Australia’s maritime infrastructure is suggested to articulate the potential benefits effectively. By demonstrating that a Coast Guard would not only fulfill critical maritime duties more efficiently but also be financially viable, proponents seek to garner the necessary political support for this initiative.
Launch of 'Time for a Coastguard' Panel Discussion
This panel discussion, chaired by Andrew Tillett (Australian Financial Review), explores Jennifer Parker's new paper, 'Time for a Coastguard', published by the Australian Naval Institute. The paper argues for a dedicated Australian coastguard to address maritime security, law enforcement, and regional challenges.
🎙️ Panelists:
Jennifer Parker – Author of 'Time for a Coastguard'
Professor Bec Strating – Director, La Trobe Asia
RADM (Retd) Lee Goddard – Former Commander, Australia’s Maritime Border Command
📚 Read the publication here: https://navalinstitute.com.au/time-for-an-australian-coast-guard/
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