Australian Strategic Policy Institute News

Nuclear weapons: arms control, proliferation and nuclear security

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new Special Report on the issue of nuclear arms control, proliferation and nuclear security. The nuclear arms control agenda currently enjoys a prominence that it has not had since the first half of the 1990s. This report, authored by Rod Lyon, explores a range of issues, including President Obama’s Prague commitments, the looming Global Nuclear Security Summit, and the scheduled Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference.

The report argues that nuclear weapons still pose a dilemma for the world—they are immensely destructive and dangerous, but they are also an important guarantor of international security. Because we honestly don’t know what global security would look like without nuclear weapons, there is scant hope of achieving nuclear disarmament in the near term. The report says Australia benefits most from arms control agreements that enhance strategic stability and improve crisis management. ‘Good arms control is about more than weapons numbers, doctrinal declarations, and signatures on treaties—it fits and complements strategic needs.’

Further, there are distinct gains to be made from clarifying the agreements that exist now (like the NPT) and making them more relevant to the evolving nuclear landscape. More and more countries are acquiring nuclear skills, and that will make the problem of proliferation a more pressing one in the years ahead. The global community has to wean itself off its current behaviour in regard to proliferators, whereby it habitually slides from opposition to acquiescence as each new program develops.

Finally, the report recommends a concerted effort to improve the security of nuclear materials, arguing that ‘enhanced nuclear security arrangements probably offer the biggest gains in global and regional security for the lowest investments.’ It sees Obama’s call to strengthen security over existing nuclear materials, and use the next four years the better to lock down vulnerable nuclear materials, as ‘especially timely.’

Boom and the fear factor delivered payload of cash

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After minimalist spending in the 1980s and 1990s, the last decade saw a bonanza for Australia's defence establishment. Economic optimism and strategic pessimism delivered budget increases not seen since the lead-up to Vietnam.

Mark Thomson said th...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Thomson said that we should not be skimping on service provided to front line troops. He said that Federal Government has a strategic reform program to save $20 billion, which is long over due.

Weapons of mass expenditure

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Despite promises of sweeping reform, Defence spending still appears to be out of control. Mark Thomson said that now a fresh examination of the department's spending is needed. Mark also said that in the 1990s Defence was making do year by year with money it had the previous year, adjusted for inflation. The cost of equipment was going up and goods and services and personnel was going up. They were under pressure, so they had to make hard decisions.

Business has a vital role in security

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Anthony Bergin said that the Federal Government's new counter-terrorism white paper highlights the key role of business in Australia's response to a terrorism situation but it fails to realise the full capabilities of business.

In too deep: Defence anchored by cost of new subs

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As Australia prepares to commit to its most expensive defence project yet, military chiefs are being warned not to get out of their depth when buying new submarines. Andrew Davies said that there are certainly a lot of things to worry about when planning a future submarine project because you'd have to say at the moment the Collins fleet is in a shambolic state.

Defence chiefs later...

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Defence chiefs later this year will hand the Federal Government their wishlist for what is likely to become Australia's biggest and most ambitious defence spending program, the next-generation submarines destined to replace the Collins-class submarines. Andrew Davies says there is a lot of things to worry about when planning a future submarine project.

Business has a vital role in security

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There is a blind spot when it comes to the role of business in the government's new counter-terrorism white paper.

ASIO puts our security in gen X's hands

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ASIO is putting inexperienced officers in senior posts as it struggles to absorb an influx of young recruits hired in a big expansion drive. Carl Ungerer said that ASIO had been able to oversee the expansion without jeopardising its internal security.

Emperor Rudd is not wearing clothes

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mr Rudd continues to believe that he is a first-class policymaker , when recent evidence all points to this not being true. The government has decided to design and build 12 submarines despite ASPI estimating that they will cost $36 billion compared to $9 billion if sourced overseas.

Army's weighted down by too much top brass

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Australia now boasts one of the Western world's most bloated "generals' clubs", with 77 officers at the so-called star rank of brigadier or above including 22 major-generals and three lieutenant-generals. Mark Thomson said that were two explanations for the blowout in senior ranks - high operational tempo of the force and the fact that Defence has been swimming in money which makes it easy to promote someone.

China Plans Lowest Increase in Defense Spending in a Decade

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

China plans to boost defense spending by 7.5 percent, the slowest pace of expansion in a decade, as the government seeks to allay concerns about the country’s growing military might. Andrew Davies said that while this year’s increase is down a bit, we are still talking about an increase that is much bigger than Western nations and one that allows for a significant military build-up to continue.

Number of generals in Australian Army doubles

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The number of generals in the Australian Army has more than doubled in five years to 25 while the rest of the Army has grown by 10 per cent. Mark Thompson, said there were two explanations for the blow-out in senior ranks: The high operational tempo of the force and the fact that Defence had been swimming in money for years.

Faulkner stands up for record

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Defence Minister John Faulkner has responded to an ASPI claim that the Rudd cabinet was taking too long to approve defence projects.

Andrew Davies has we...

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies has welcomed the government's decision to open up competative bidding for the new Nowra based Navy helicopters.

Faulkner splurges on sub-par fighters

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Defence Minister John Faulkner dismissed concerns about the US F-35 when he announced on November 25 that the Rudd Government would pay $3.2 Billion for 14 of the fighter jets for delivery in 2014. ASPI said that the estimated cost will be $36 Billion compared with $9 billion for a high-quality overseas design.

Prevention is better than picking up the pieces after a terrorist act

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Anthony Bergin has said that a concerted effort is needed to prevent the radicalisation of home-grown extremists.

...

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Terror can be stopped at home

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Anthony Bergin has said that a concerted effort is needed to prevent the radicalisation of home-grown extremists.

Prevention is better than picking up the pieces after a terrorist act

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Rudd government's new counter-terrorism white paper released this week puts an increasing political emphasis on the prevention of terrorist cells within Australia as a key element of our counter terrorism strategy.

Here to help: Strengthening the Defence role in Australian disaster management

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a Special Report that argues that it’s time for Defence to more fully incorporate domestic disaster assistance tasks as part of its core business.

Defence is likely to be used more frequently in the future to assist in domestic disaster management. There will be larger and more frequent extreme weather events due to climate change; increased vulnerability of the growing populations in coastal developments and in bushfire-prone areas; continual reduction per capita in the number of volunteers and emergency services personnel; and growing community and political expectations to use military resources to support whole-of-government counter-disaster efforts.

To prepare for the increased demand on, and expectations for the use of, Defence in disaster management, three actions are required.

• the Australian Government should clarify that Australian disaster assistance is an ADF priority task. Elevating domestic disaster assistance into a core Defence activity will ensure that this priority flows through the Australian Defence organisation.

• Defence should undertake a fundamental review of its domestic disaster assistance role with the goal of maximising its contribution to Australian disaster management. This is likely to involve modifying existing organisations, policies and procedures, logistics and training.

• Defence and civil counter-disaster organisations should work together to facilitate the transfer of capability development, research and development and other skills to accelerate the development of the states and territories next-generation disaster management systems.

The authors are Athol Yates, Executive Director, Australian Security Research Centre and Anthony Bergin, Director of Research Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute

...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Defence Force needed for disaster relief

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With climate change set to produce more natural disasters, the Australian defence organisation needs to make disaster relief part of its core business.
The special report released today by ASPI states defence could expect to be used more frequently in domestic counter-disaster tasks, such as the Victorian bushfires a year ago. Dr Bergin and Mr Yates recommended the government clarify that domestic disaster assistance is an Australian Defence Force priority task. Dr Bergin and Mr Yates said elevating domestic disaster assistance into a core defence activity will ensure that this priority flows through the Australian defence organisation.

Andrew Davies discus...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies discusses the announcement made by John Faulkner about the purchase of a fleet of new Naval helicopters to be based at HMAS Albatross. Andrew said the Seahawk is cheaper to purchase initially but that the Army is using NATO helicopters which could influence the decision.

Andrew Davies said t...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies said that it is not unusual for John Faulkner to consider two rival bids for the purchase of new Naval helicopters which will be based at HMAS Albatross.

Andrew Davies was as...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies was asked why do Defence projects cost so much? Andrew says collectively the Navy, Defence Acquisition Organisation and the Australian Submarine organisation have dropped the ball in regard to the Collins-class submarines.

Time to reform disaster response

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Anthony Bergin and Athol Yates. Following the Commission’s interim findings last year, defence has changed a few of its operational activities around this task. But more fundamental changes are required.

Vital issues missing in terror paper

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The counter-terrorism white paper released this week is a welcome addition to the debate on this vital topic, building on the good work done by the Howard government, which released its own discussion document in 2004. But the white paper is relatively quiet on promoting programs to address the radicalisation of people in Australia, something Attorney-General Robert McClelland identified in a speech to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute last year.

Letter to the paper ...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Letter to the paper on the link between terrorism and mobile communication. Mentions Carl Ungerer's atricle ont he counter-0terrorism white paper.

In the article from ...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In the article from cut and paste it mentions Carl Ungerer and Hugh White in relation to the couter-terrorism white paper.

How embattled PM played 'jihad' card

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Rudd government moved yesterday to further strengthen its national security credentials in the lead-up to this year's election with an announcement that ASIO's powers would be widened to crack people-smuggling syndicates and penalties for people smugglers would be increased. Carl Ungerer said it emphasised the risk of home-grown terrorism, but included extra funding only for programs such as biometric testing that targeted foreign threats. He said that if it is the case that we have home-grown kids who are susceptible to al-Qaeda's ideology, surely there should have been something in there to meet that threat.

To beat terror, defeat its ideas

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The centrepiece of the white paper is a judgment about the changing nature of the terrorist threat to Australia and the continuing rise of so-called home-grown terrorists. In the wake of recent convictions of terrorist cells in Melbourne and Sydney, the paper argues that the main source of terrorism in the future will be local amateurs who have bought into the Salafist jihadi ideology of al-Qa'ida, but who may not have had any connection to al-Qa'ida's money or training.

Savage cuts still won't fix Defence

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Speaking at an industry conference in Canberra yesterday, Mark Thompson said history had shown 2.2 per cent would not be enough to meet the requirements of the defence white paper. If we look back historically at the Korean War onwards, the long-term trend in Australian defence spending has been about 2.7 per cent per annum and over that period the Defence Force has not expanded or taken a quantum leap forward.

Rudd overruled officials to trumpet local terror threat

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Rudd toughened his counter-terrorism blueprint to trumpet the threat from jihadist and home-grown terrorism despite resistance from officials within his department and the Attorney-General's department who were concerned the assertions were inflammatory and counter-productive. Carl Ungerer said the white paper emphasised the risk of home-grown terrorism but only included extra funding for programs such as biometric testing which target foreign threats.

Quite progress as Govt Keeps threat in perspective

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

zfor professional terrorism and security analysts the Federal Government's long awaited counter-terrorism white paper has come as something of a damp squib. Carl Ungerer said the main failing of the white paper is it's failure to commit new resources to counter radicalisation within Australia's Islamic communities.

Terror plan stokes fears for regional diplomacy

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Australia is bracing for a diplomatic storm because of Government plans to target citizens from just a handful of countries with tough new border security measures. Carl Ungerer said the Government had squibbed it.

Indonesia not on blacklist

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation and the site of more Australian deaths at the hands of terrorists than any other country, will not be included in a list of 10 countries targeted for toughened visa screening rules aimed at thwarting terror attacks. Carl Ungerer welcomes the document as a modest improvement on the Howard government's 2004 white paper, which focused on foreign terrorism as the main threat.

BAE: Defence not serious about saving

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jim McDowell, the chief of Austalia's largest defence contractor, BAE Systems Australia, said that teh Rudd government was not serious about a $20 billion defence savings drive and warned that growth in the civilian workforce would inhibit the savings drive. Mark Thomson took a swipe at the government's performance in approving projects.

Leading terrorism ex...

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leading terrorism experts have questioned the Govt's white paper, questioning whether it does enough to target homegrown terrorism, the threat of which the PM, Kevin Rudd, admits is on the rise. Anthony Bergin says resources appear skewed to border security. Bergin notes the white paper does not look at using the internet.

The Prime Minister, ...

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Prime Minister, says 'home grown terrorism' is a reality in Australia. Rudd has revealed the Federal Government will spend almost $70m over the coming four years to improve national security, will establish a new counter-terrorism control centre and will introduce more rigorous biometric testing of residents of 10 unnamed countries who wish to visit. Carl Ungerer says the measures are 'appropriate and necessary'. Diplomatic sensitivity over such programs will have to be managed by the Australian Government,

Visa crackdown on 'terror' nations

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Visitors from about 10 countries such as Somalia and Yemen will face tougher visa scrutiny under a stricter security regime aimed at protecting Australia from terrorism. Carl Ungerer said the majority of countries on the list would be “from South Asia and North Africa”.

The Fed Govt has tod...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Fed Govt has today released its white paper on counter terrorism, canvassing a $69mn on biometric checks on select visa applications from as yet unspecified countries and a new counter-terror control centre. Carl Ungerer says that the Fed Govt has spent nearly $10bn on counter terror measures since 2002. He says that the Jemaah Islamiyah group has nominated Aust as an important base for terrorist financing.

The Rudd government ...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Rudd government has released a white paper on domestic terrorism which flagged tougher controls on visitors from countries deemed 'high risk', and a greater emphasis on 'homegrown terrorism'. $69m will be spent over four years to gather fingerprints and face scans from people applying for visas from ten yet to be identified 'high risk' countries. Carl Ungerer says there is no new funding or initiatives aimed at 'homegrown threat'.

The PM Kevin Rudd sa...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The PM Kevin Rudd says Australia faces an increased terrorist threat from people born or raised in Australia. Leading terrorism experts are questioning whether the white paper does enough to target home grown terrorism. Anthony Bergin says the resource allocation seems to be skewed towards border security. He says one would have expected to see resources devoted to counter-radicalisation programs.

Carl Ungerer says th...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Carl Ungerer says the PM Kevin Rudd first announced a white paper on counter terrorism in the December 2008 national security statement, and it has been in preparation since then. He said the previous paper was in 2004, so this is a timely opportunity to put something like this out. Hugh White says the white paper is moderate in tone, which is a welcome development, and the Fed Govt deserves credit.

Australian soldiers ...

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Australian soldiers may soon face a tougher task in Afghanistan, with Dutch troops to leave by the end of the year. Raspal Khosa said that there are considerable implications for Australian troops in Oruzgun province.

Dutch withdrawal to impact Australian troops

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Australia will come under pressure to provide more troops to Afghanistan as Dutch troops appear almost certain to leave the country by the end of 2010, analysts say. Raspal Khosa said that scenario has considerable implications for Australian troops. Australian and Dutch soldiers work out of the same base in Uruzgan province and in many ways the Australians rely on their colleagues from the Netherlands.

Small hope of rehab for addicts to extremism

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There were many disturbing moments during the matathon case that ended last Monday in the NSW Supreme Court with five men sentenced to between 23 and 28 years' jail for consipiring to prepare for a terriorst attack. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute said in a report last year that the supposedly rehabilitated JI members who had been released from prision could pose an even great er security risk, as some of them had gravitated to even more hardline groups that continued to advocate al-Qa'iada style attacks on western targets.

Do American Drones breach international law?

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones are the latest development in military technology. Nicknamed by some as ‘killer-bots’, the US has sent them out, hot on the heels of al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, claiming maximum efficiency with minimum carnage. But how do these drones know exactly who to attack, and what happens when they get it wrong? 2SER’s Jennifer Lush spoke with Andrew Davies from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute .

Top-gun fighter in a spin

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Coast blow-outs, delays and doubts over the Joint Stike Fighter's capabilities are causing concern on the defence community here and in the US. Andrew Davies said that he doen's think that Defence officials are seriously contemplating any other options.