Key takeaways

Analysis of regional megatrends from an ANU expert highlights Australia’s need for a security rethink.

A ‘poly-crisis’ of threats – encompassing great power contestation, governance and environmental challenges, and technological disruption – is making national security more complex, according to ANU Professor John Blaxland.

In a report prepared for RSL Australia, he argues Australia needs a security shake-up to face these challenges and to avoid damaging societal upheaval.

The report makes several big picture recommendations:

Establishing a new statutory National Institute of Net Assessment

No one arm of the Australian state can handle these challenges alone. Instead, a new national body that assesses security risks would help Australia’s leaders make better decisions. The institute would be akin to the Productivity Commission and would consider the full spectrum of challenges, drawing on the breadth of expertise in industry, think tanks, government and universities.

Strengthening ties with ASEAN nations

Australia should strengthen and deepen ties with ASEAN member states, especially Indonesia, as well as others who are willing to work closely with Australia to enhance security and stability.

Addressing the Rohingya and broader Myanmar refugee crisis

Australia should support action now to prevent the crisis worsening and before another wave of boat arrivals and further undermining of regional order.

Finding new ways of engaging with the Pacific

Working with Pacific partners is key to alleviating suffering, strengthening stability, and furthering Australia’s interests. A compact of association with South Pacific countries, or a Pacific Island Federation, is needed for shared governance. The United States and New Zealand have similar arrangements with several Pacific micro-states. In return for residency rights, Australia could respectfully offer closer partnering arrangements to assist with management, security and governance of territorial and maritime domains.

Strengthening economic and security ties with the United States

The US is not only Australia’s principal ally but its greatest foreign direct investor and two-way economic partner. Most of our neighbours also still look to retain US security and economic engagement. Australia should use its trusted access to encourage the US to remain constructively connected in our neighbourhood. It should also counsel the US administration against adventurous initiatives while promoting the rules-based order.

Increasing funding for the ADF

Australia relies heavily on the Australian Defence Force in environmental crises such as bushfires and floods – events that are being exacerbated through climate change. In the event of a large-scale disaster, the ADF’s involvement would leave Australia exposed to an adversary exploiting these circumstances. Therefore, investing further in the capacity of the ADF, as well as state police and emergency response services, would help Australia respond to these disasters without compromising our security.

Incentivising community service

An incentivised scheme for national and community service would help ensure critical response organisations are adequately crewed. The scheme for Australian volunteers to work internationally could also be expanded, notably in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.