April 2023
- Opinion
- Defence
The defence review has purpose, but where is the money?
The Defence Strategic review moves the dial towards strategic reality but hasn’t yet introduced the necessary budget.
March 2023
- Opinion
- Defence spending
Even after AUKUS, the defence claim on the budget is far from over
The prime minister says Australia will spend whatever it takes to defend Australia. But he will find the cost is high and the scope for nation-building manufacturing is limited.
May 2022
- Opinion
- Pacific diplomacy
Let’s all stay calm on Solomon Islands
Australia has its own geographic advantages in Solomon Islands. And the current election campaign melodrama from our politicians is not really helping the cause.
October 2021
- Opinion
- AUKUS
Defence white paper gets AUKUS muscle
The three strategic objectives listed in the 2020 defence update looked like overreach. They now look credible thanks to Australia’s new partnership in AUKUS.
July 2021
- Opinion
- ADF
Can we still make Afghanistan worthwhile?
Australians should use that flawed conflict as the basis for an honest appraisal of when we should fight in the future.
March 2021
- Opinion
- Coronavirus pandemic
Will we fight to save Taiwan like the Anzacs saved France?
Australia’s former Chief of the Army says we must avoid a future situation where a PM might say the US is at war and as a result, Australia is also at war.