US pushes greater collaboration with Australia in Antarctica, moves to replace China in trade and investment

The United States has flagged greater collaboration with Australia in Antarctica, praised the Morrison government’s $800m investment in polar hardware.

US Consul-General Kathleen Lively in Hobart on Wednesday, talking up Australia-US collaboration in Antarctica. Picture: Matthew Denholm

The United States has flagged greater collaboration with Australia in Antarctica, praised the Morrison government’s $800m investment in polar hardware and promised to step-up its own Antarctic engagement.

US Consul General Kathleen Lively, on a visit to Tasmania for trade and government talks, told The Australian on Wednesday there was further scope for the two nations to collaborate on the frozen continent.

“The US and Australia work really closely together in Antarctica and I do think that will only continue and grow stronger,” said Ms Lively, whose visit coincides with US icebreaker USCGC Polar Star visiting Hobart.

There have been concerns in recent months that rising belligerence by countries including Russia and China, such as on fishing regulation and marine parks, could undermine the spirit and future of the Antarctic Treaty.

Ms Lively expressed hoped more face-to-face dialogue, with the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions, would thaw relations around the Treaty table. “Covid has probably had an impact (on Antarctic relations),” she said after meetings with the Hobart-based Australian Antarctic Division.

“Sometimes when you don’t see people (in person) misunderstandings and tensions grow, so when you can start to meet and talk with each other in person that will (hopefully) get better.”

She hoped all Antarctic nations would focus on collaborative science. “I think that if the focus stays there, then the tensions will lessen, but it is difficult times,” she said.

The US was “absolutely” supportive of Australia’s recent promise of $800m for Antarctic hardware, pitched by the Prime Minister as “eyes on Antarctica”, 42 per cent of which is subject to a latent Australian territorial claim.

“I think you’re going to see more of that from the United States, as well,” Ms Lively said, stressing a focus on scientific investment.

“It’s one of the last frontiers globally and being able to understand it more … (is important).”

After talks with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein and Trade Minister Guy Barnett, Ms Lively flagged “enormous potential” for US investment in and trade with Tasmania.