On November 15, ASPI hosted an event to launch its new report 'Australia's Management of Strategic Risk in the New Era' by Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith. Speakers of the evening included both authors and Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd), former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, who officially launched the report.

All speakers highlighted some of the main findings of the report, which concludes that Australia’s strategic outlook is deteriorating and, for the first time since World War II, it is facing an increased prospect of threat from a major power, namely China. China’s military build-up and its aggressive policies are grounds for concern that it seeks political domination over countries in the region, including in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Indian Ocean

As it was highlighted, the time to predict risks is rapidly becoming shorter, while the demand for capabilities is increasing. The authors are pleading for Australia to develop the Australian equivalent of an ‘anti-access and area denial’ strategy – including an improved capacity for anti-submarine warfare – to defend Australia’s vulnerable northern and western approaches. Thus, the prospect of shortened warning time for high-intensity conflict now needs to be a major factor in Australia’s defence planning.

The speakers particularly put emphasis on the need for the ADF to assess its level of preparedness and to consider stronger risk management approaches in its strategic planning.

The remarks were followed by a short Q&A and a reception afterwards.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Geof Wilson