ASPI News

Andrew Davies dis...

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies discusses the new Defence Capability Plan and provides his analysis of how the new minister has been received by local industry.

Australian troops ar...

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australian troops are stationed in Oruzgan Province to teh east of the US surge and it is likely the US operations will have consequences for them.

Neighbours to 'dwarf' nation's economy

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new report from ASPI [The human tide: An Australian persective on demographics and security] says Australia's economic and military power will inevitably be overshadowed by larger Asian neighbours. The report also says promoting family planning in neighbouring countries is vital to Australia's national security.

Indonesia steady as it grows

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Indonesia is set to re-elect a moderate, predictable president, allowing it to take up the label 'normal'. The term was first applied to Indonesia by Andrew MacIntyre of the ANU and Douglas Ramage of the Asia Foundation in their report 'Seeing Indonesia as a normal country: Implications for Australia' for ASPI last year. In the book the authors argue that Indonesia has reached a new level of stability and democracy.

The US military has ...

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The US military has launched a new offensive against Taliban insurgents in Helmand, which Raspal Khosa says is likely to affect Australian forces in Oruzgan.

Family planning essential for Asia Pacific security: report

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new report from ASPI [The Human Tide: An Australian perspective on demographics and security] has recommended family planning as a priority for Australian aid.

Secrecy won't help us prepare for disaster

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Anthony Bergin on the level of secrecy in Australian government when it comes to providing the community with details on the threats we face.

Foreign aid boost can stem human tide: report

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to a new report by ASPI [The Human Tide: An Australian perspective on demographics and security], the key to reducing the number of refugees coming to Australia is to help improve living conditions in poorer countries.

A long shot for new investment

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The new Defence Capability Plan is likely to lack information on the asking price for tenders, due to the almost 'deliberate obfuscation' that currently dominates the sector, according to ASPI's Mark Thomson.

Timetable flaw in sub strategy

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While analysts have welcomed the federal government's commitment to grow its submarine fleet, they have questioned the logic of also expanding the surface fleet as well. ASPI's Andrew Davies said it would require a build up 'over a very long time' to deliver the strategies outlined in the government's white paper.

Secret Defence business

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Defence Minister John Faulkner's commitment to a more open and transparent government is set to be tested as he attempts to impose his authority over an increasingly secretive and inconsistent Defence department. Mark Thomson argued that this year's Defence budget papers are the least comprehensive of the past decade.

Army seeks Arabs, Indians

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Army is seeking to attract larger numbers of multicultural recruits by providing special helmets that accommodate turbans, and uniforms that incorporate burkas. Mark Thomson said this was an important mission for the army as they wanted their ranks to reflect society.

Faulkner wants transparency

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Defence Minister John Faulkner has moved to meet strong criticism over excessive secrecy around funding by demanding that Defence deliver a more transparent $100 billion-plus weapons and equipment wish list. ASPI economic analyst Mark Thomson has accused the government and Defence of failing to provide enough information to enable parliament or taxpayers to keep Defence accountable.

Interview with Pr...

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Prof Ross Babbage of the Kokoda Foundation and Dr Mark Thomson of ASPI about attempts by the ADF to become more multicultural. Thomson outlines statistics which show that only 5% of people in the ADF are not of Anglo-Celtic heritage.

New subs not sign of regional arms race

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The RSS Archer, Singapore's most advanced submarine, was launched in Sweden yesterday. The acquisition has raised concerns of a naval arms race in the region, following a 2007 report by Andrew Davies that the region's submarine acquisitions signified an 'element of an arms race at work'. Last year, however, Dr Davies conceded that there is 'little evidence' to suggest an arms race.

Similarities between North Korea crisis and Cuban missile crisis

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Discussion on the North Korean missile crisis and its similarities to the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. Rod Lyon suggests that a military component could include a western attack against North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear facility, the source of its plutonium. This would cap the North Korean nuclear program, but wouldn't end it, and the risks include potential regime collapse inside North Korea and possible hostilities on the Korean peninsula.

Australia's Defence White Paper 2009

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Andrew Davies on the key points of Australia's Defence White Paper.

Defence targets ethnic recruits

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Defence Force will target Arabs, Africans, Asians and other ethnic recruits in an attempt to overturn a century of Anglo-Celtic domination in the ranks. A Defence budget brief released last month by ASPI [Cost of Defence: ASPI Defence Budget Brief 2009-2010] found there was a significant 'over-representation of Anglo-Celtic-born individuals' in the regular ADF and the reserves.

In need of a sea change

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This opinion piece by Anthony Bergin and Sam Bateman discusses the Rudd government's recent defence policy white paper plans for a build-up in Australian naval power, which contrasts 'starkly' with the neglect of oceans evident at Kevin Rudd's 2020 Summit in April last year. The authors call for better strategic management of our surrounding oceans.

Defence needs to recognise climate of risk

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Anthony Bergin on the issue of climate change as a 'conflict threat multiplier', which has been dismissed by the new white paper.

Too many generals not enough soldiers

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Statistics from the latest defence budget brief [Cost of Defence: ASPI Defence Budget Brief 2009-2010] by Mark Thomson show that the number of civilian defence managers jumped by 60 percent since 1998-99 while the overall civilian workforce increased by 20 percent. Thomson said the only explanation for the growth was the demand for officers required to manage several new operational headquarters at home and overseas.

Anthony Bergin di...

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anthony Bergin discusses a UK measure called Contest Two aimed to counter extremism, which could be used as part of an Australian policy to be released later this year.

'No action' on local extremism

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Rudd government should urgently boost funding for high-quality Islamic studies courses, moderate Muslim community groups, and police liaison teams to counter home-grown extremism, according to leading Australian Islamic scholar Ameer Ali. Government concerns about extremism were raised by the Attorney-General's Department in the May budget portfolio statement, but no new funding was provided to counter local extremism, according to a report [Contest Two and counter extremism: Lessons for Australia] by Anthony Bergin.

F-35 hit by long delay, big cost overrun

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Concerns about delays and cost overruns for the planned acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have been downplayed by the Federal Government. Some estimates have put the plane at $US130 million each, significantly above the cost of $US70 million projected by a 2008 ASPI study [How much will the Joint Strike Fighter cost Australia? by Andrew Davies].

The new chief, $300 billion and how he'll spend it

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Ian McPhedran on the challenging legacy left to incoming Defence Minister John Faulkner. He refers to Mark Thomson's 'excellent' analysis of the defence budget which criticised the White Paper for providing no detail about the key plans for funding, investment and reform.

Sacked minister had no defence in latest embarrassing skirmish

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the resignation of Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, Mark Thomson defines the immediate challenge facing the department as achieving $18.2 billion in savings through as-yet undefined 'efficiencies'.

N Korea could spark regional nuclear arms race

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Andrew Davies. He says North Korea’s second nuclear test doesn’t mean that they have an ability to directly threaten nuclear attack on other countries. At least in the short term, the more serious threat is the response of other neighbouring states. The potential for nuclearisation in North Asia has increased significantly.

Defence releases $20 billion savings plan

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After weeks of criticism for releasing a bold 20-year security blueprint without outlining the source of its funding, the Defence Department has released an outline of its $20 billion savings plan. A Defence budget review released last week by ASPI said Defence planners had been 'deliberately vague' about their funding aims.

Extremist views

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia should copy the UK and verbally challenge people promoting extremist views, according to a new study [Contest Two and counter extremism: Lessons for Australia] by Anthony Bergin.

Rudd's defence is smoke and mirrors

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A report by ASPI's Mark Thomson into government defence spending has been critical of the Rudd government, Treasury, finance and defence for failing to provide timely information to the public.

Defence's black op: keep the public in the dark

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Thomson discusses the lack of insight provided by the budget and the White Paper into Defence's spending plans in an opinion piece published in the Canberra Times.

Rudd fights his way down the boulevard of broken dreams

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Ross Gittins on Kevin Rudd's style of leadership. Mentions Mark Thomson's annual analysis of the defence budget.

Discussion on cyber ...

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Discussion on cyber security following the hacking of US defence information. Carl Ungerer says data protection must be made a priority by the Rudd government.

Discussion on how to...

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Discussion on how to deal with North Korea in the wake of its second nuclear weapons test. Carl Ungerer comments on North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Taliban blamed for terrorist attack in Pakistan

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan's Punjab province came under attack by gunmen yesterday, and while no-one has officially claimed responsibility, it is believed to have been the work of the Taliban or any of a number of Al Qaeda-backed militant groups. Raspal Khosa says it is likely that we'll see more large-scale attacks in Pakistan's major cities.

Report questions affordability of defence plans

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A report by ASPI on the defence budget [The Cost of Defence: ASPI Defence Budget Brief 2009-10] says defence planners have been 'deliberately vague' about the nation's long-term military plans, raising doubts about the affordability of a 20-year bulid-up of air and naval power. The report also stated that Defence had received a $4.3 billion one-off funding boost in the Budget, which takes its share of GDP to the highest level since 1986.

Australia: Military to Focus on Immediate Neighbours

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Article on the effect of the Defence White Paper on Australia's military capabilities with reference to stability in neighbouring countires, including Indonesia and South Pacific states. Andrew Davies says that a stable Indonesia is vital to security in the immediate region. He describes the White Paper's concentration on Australia's neighbours as a 'back-to-the-future' policy.

Gunmen have attacked...

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gunmen have attacked Pakistani Police and Initelligence Service bulidings in Lahore. Raspal Khosa comments.

Defence deferrals raise doubts

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

ASPI's economic analyst Mark Thomson will release an analysis of the defence budget today. Defence has admitted that $6.8 billion in project spending has been affected by deferrals since December 2007.

Andrew Davies discus...

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Andrew Davies discusses North Korea's nuclear tests. He says North Korea is willing to allow sanctions to starve its people so it can pursue its military program, and that targeted sanctions aimed at the elite are more likely to be effective.

Civilians may have disaster relief role

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Civilian experts could make a very useful contribution to international disaster relief and stabilisation missions provided they were properly resourced, trained and rehearsed, according to a study [Rudd's Army: A Deployable Civilian Capacity for Australia] by ASPI.

China: enemy or friend?

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a letter to the editor, correspondent Norman Ashworth discusses the ambiguity of Australia's relationship with China, in reference to an article by Rod Lyon [White paper grapples with uncertainties over C-word].

Test prompts questions over who pushes the buttons

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the withdrawal of North Korea from its six-party talks, Rod Lyon discusses possible reasons behind the country's continued nuclear missile tests and its leadership issues.

Fixed-wing navy jets not realistic

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This opinion piece by Andrew Davies assesses the difficulty of operating ‘jump-jet’ variants of the JSF from the deck of Australia’s new amphibious ships.

White paper grapples with uncertainties over C-word

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Rod Lyon which explores two differing views of China's strategic role in the recently released Defence White Paper.

Flood of money does not negate the necessity of $20bn cut to expenditure

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion piece by Mark Thomson on Federal Defence funding, and the need to ensure that Defence's $20 billion savings program is adhered to.

Spy in the sky

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A domestic spy satellite could significantly enhance the ability to watch over the Australian continent and surround sea, according to a report [Policy Analysis 42 - Around the world in ninety minutes—what an Australian satellite surveillance system could do] by ASPI analyst Andrew Davies.

Budget funding to break Antarctic policy freeze

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Mark Corcoran on the increase of funding by the Federal Government to the Australian Antarctic Division, which runs Australia's Antarctic bases. The issue of Antarctica was effectively ignored in the 20/20 Summit's recommendations and conclusions, with the exception being a report titled Frozen Assets: Securiing Australia's Antarctic Future by Anthony Bergin of ASPI and Marcus Haward of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Co-operative Research Centre.

Defended by one sub

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Ian McPhedran on the state of the Navy's submarines. With just one of the six Collins Class boats currently 'fit for service', Andrew Davies says many issues need to be sorted out before the nation invests $20 billion in a new submarine fleet.

Choose your partner

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Australian Navy is likely to move this year to replace its combat helicopter force, and must decide whether it wants commonality with the Australian Army or the US Navy. Andrew Davies comments on mistakes made by the navy in terms of submarine capabilities.