Australia is facing the most complex and serious strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War. Intensifying strategic competition and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific risk undermining stability in our region, while grey-zone threats – such as foreign interference and cyberattacks – are reshaping the nature of modern conflict.
An elected Dutton Coalition Government will deliver an overarching National Security Strategy to bring together all arms of our national security architecture under a single unified vision and ensure Australia is prepared to face the challenges in the uncertain times ahead.
Our strategy will provide greater certainty to our security agencies, policy makers and industry as they work to protect Australia’s sovereignty in an increasingly complex strategic environment. It will prompt a national conversation about what security means for Australia, defining our values, objectives and collective responsibilities.
We need a sober assessment of the principal threats Australia faces so we can consider how best to orient the capabilities of the Australia Defence Force and the other arms of government.
The late Senator Jim Molan AO DSC recognised this when he called for the development of a comprehensive national security strategy in 2018, and the Coalition is proud to honour his legacy with this commitment.
At a minimum, the Strategy will articulate:
- an overarching vision for Australia’s security;
- the core objectives which support this vision;
- the key risks to Australia’s national security;
- an assessment of the global threat environment; and
- Australia’s national security priorities.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said “It has been more than a decade since Australia had a National Security Strategy, and the world looks very different today than it did back then.
“It is past time we confronted our new strategic reality, and our Strategy will serve as a roadmap to guide the difficult decisions we will need to make to protect Australia’s interests in the years ahead.”
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator James Paterson, said “The Government’s most important duty is to keep Australians safe. In an increasingly uncertain world, we need to be cleared-eyed about the challenges facing our country, and we must fiercely protect our values and interests.”
“An overarching National Security Strategy will prompt a long-overdue national conversation about what security means for Australia, and provide clarity to our security agencies and policymakers as they navigate the challenges in the decades ahead.”
Only a Dutton Coalition Government can deliver the strong and decisive action we need to defend our nation and get Australia back on track.