Weak Response to Red Sea Houthi Attacks Exposes Our Defence Issues

Commentary Years of indecision about Australia’s defence requirements threaten the security of the nation over the coming decade. In particular, the cutting of the defence budget by the Rudd-Gillard Labor governments, the neglect to place timely orders for the replacement of the naval fleet, and the ongoing submarine fiasco leaves Australia in real jeopardy. While the Abbott Liberal government reset defence expenditure with a floor of 2 percent of GDP, the delays with a new submarine purchase by the successor Turnbull government and the ending of the contract with France created further uncertainty and delay. The subsequent announcement about AUKUS, including the lease and purchase of United States nuclear-powered vessels, has eased the situation, but the arrangements with the United States remain subject to the attitude of the next U.S. president....