Australia's Goldilocks Defence Strategic Review - Hosted by the AIIA Queensland
Join us either in-person or online with Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Dr. Peter Layton, who will discuss the 2022/23 Defence Strategic Review announced last year and the extent to which this independent assessment will effectively respond to the emerging geostrategic challenges facing our nation.
A quick update - In addition to what will undoubtedly be an excellent seminar by Dr. Peter Layton, we will also have a very special guest – our new National President Dr Heather Smith PSM.
If you are attending in-person, we will start our hospitality at Holding Redlich at the earlier time of 5.00pm to allow a full hour to meet and speak with Heather before we kick off Peter's seminar at the usual 6.00pm time. The first drink will be free for financial members or those who join on the night. This event will also be available online. After registering, on June 13 you will receive a follow-up confirmation email containing further details on how to join the webinar which will commence at 6pm AEST. The event is free for AIIA Queensland members and AIIA members from all states. Non-members pay $10 and student non-members $5.
If you arrive after 6pm, the lifts may not be accessible. Ring 0403 777 541 for assistance.
Image supplied: HMAS Sydney at sunrise before a port entry as part of Exercise Tasman Shield
Author: Department of Defence
Like many new governments before it, the Albanese Labor government began a major review of defence policy soon after taking office. The 2022/23 Defence Strategic Review was unusual in being undertaken in a novel manner, in using three external consultants and crucially by having a well-defined intent.
The previous LNP government had determined that the long-held assumption of a 10-year warning of high-intensity military conflict was no longer true. The Australian Defence Force might now be called on to fight a war at much shorter notice. Moreover, coercive grey zone actions had already begun. Accordingly, the review was designed to propose how "to optimise Defence capability and posture to meet the nation's security challenges over the period 2023-24 to 2032-33 and beyond."
In a time of geostrategic uncertainty and possible dangers, this is an important aim but has it been, or rather, can it be achieved? Is the review able to "underpin our Defence policy for decades to come," as Deputy Prime Minister Marles claims?
Image supplied: Australian Defence Force troops particpate in Talisman Sabre
Author: DVIDSHUB