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The Commonwealth will invest in deeper security relationships with Pacific nations, including enhancing the maritime capability of neighbouring Pacific Island nations, to remain the partner of choice in security cooperation.
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Australia is set to continue its policy of being a regional partner of choice in the Pacific following the release of the National Defence Strategy (17 April), motivated by the need to protect Australia’s northern and eastern lines of communication.
In developing the partnerships, the NDS detailed that Australia would work with Pacific Island nations to develop their military capabilities, deepen interoperability, address common challenges such as national sovereignty, and mitigating the risk of climate change.
Under the plans, the government has confirmed that the Defence Cooperation Program will remain Australia’s primary mechanism for regional Defence cooperation and will continue to support the development of regional maritime capability through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
France also received specific mention in the document, with over 1 million French citizens in the Indo-Pacific.
The document maintained that the United States will continue to remain central to Australian Defence policy.
“Australia’s alliance with the US is fundamental to our national security and the ADF’s capacity to generate, sustain, and project credible military capability,” the NDS read.
“Australia and the US share values and ideals, and our alliance is underpinned by mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and national interests.”
The National Defence Strategy was released in response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review and has been billed as an outline of the government’s strategic framework to meet the requirements demanded by changes in Australia’s strategic circumstances.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles explained that the document was integral for ensuring that the Australian Defence Force is capable of overcoming future uncertainty.
“The inaugural National Defence Strategy sets out a clear and priority-driven approach to protecting against threats to Australia and our interests,” Marles said.
“The National Defence Strategy outlines how we are transforming the ADF and equipping it to survive in a much less certain world.
“These transformational reforms are designed to ensure that peace, security, and prosperity are maintained in our region.
“The Albanese government is making an historic investment in Defence and has taken tough decisions to reshape the ADF to meet our strategic circumstances and to keep Australians safe.”
