Australia’s security policy faces significant scrutiny as experts argue it is overly costly and fundamentally flawed. The recent challenges surrounding the AUKUS agreement highlight critical concerns regarding the United States’ ability to deliver on its promises of additional submarines. Reports indicate that the anticipated improvements in the US submarine production rate have not materialized, raising doubts about the future of this defense partnership.
The escalating demands for Australia to increase its defense spending and to consider a pre-commitment to potential conflict with China have intensified. Critics suggest that instead of prioritizing the nation’s security, the Australian government appears to be constructing a military force that primarily serves US interests. This approach is reminiscent of the past conflicts in Vietnam and Iraq, where Australia’s role was largely subordinate.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has emphasized the urgent need for Australia to establish an independent security strategy, one that does not tether the nation to foreign powers. He argues that Australians deserve a more effective approach to national security. In his recent book, The Big Fix: Rebuilding Australia’s National Security, he proposes an alternative to AUKUS, advocating for a defense policy that enhances national sovereignty and reduces dependency on the United States.
Turnbull asserts that Australia can achieve security without compromising its values or moral principles. He outlines a vision where the nation moves away from its historical reliance on foreign military support. The focus should shift towards establishing Australia as a Strategic Defensive state, capable of protecting itself independently. This model, successfully employed by countries like Switzerland, aligns well with Australia’s non-aggressive stance and resource availability.
One key advantage of adopting a Strategic Defensive posture is Australia’s geographical isolation. As an island continent, the country is in a unique position to enhance its defensive capabilities. The rising threat of climate change, often downplayed by the United States, also features prominently in this security framework.
Transitioning to this model does not hinge on the inadequacy of military technology or prohibitive costs. Instead, it confronts the entrenched political culture that has historically favored dependency on a great power protector. Turnbull stresses the necessity for the Australian public to communicate to their leaders the importance of exploring alternatives to political subservience.
From a practical standpoint, implementing the Strategic Defensive strategy is feasible. The necessary military equipment is readily available, allowing for a swift acquisition process. This would lead to the establishment of an integrated Australian Defence Force capable of independent operations.
In the proposed framework, certain military programs, particularly the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, should be reconsidered. Turnbull argues that these submarines do not align with a defensive strategy and should be scrapped in favor of more adaptable uncrewed maritime systems. He advocates for increased investment in long-range precision strike capabilities through missiles and drones, alongside the development of a sovereign space-based sensor network.
The potential savings of $368 billion from discontinuing unnecessary submarine projects could significantly bolster the Australian Defence Force. With the shifting balance of global power due to factors such as climate change and an unpredictable United States, Turnbull insists that Australia requires a future-oriented security policy.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for a comprehensive Plan B becomes increasingly urgent. The Big Fix lays out a path forward, outlining how Australia can navigate the complexities of modern security threats while maintaining its independence and integrity. The discourse surrounding Australia’s defense policy is evolving, and it is essential for the government to adapt to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
