Home to shifting geopolitical tides changed the calculus on defense spending in another way, too. This change is to adapt to the changing realities of today’s geopolitical landscape. Location of RAAF Base Learmonth RAAF Base Learmonth lies more than 1,200 kilometers north of Perth, and it will have to significantly increase its activity. RAAF Base Curtin is noted as needing more capacity. Both bases now function as “bare bases” as they lack permanent structures. Even worse, they have only limited, regular personnel — not a force capable of meeting changing security threats unique to the region.
On Wednesday, Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, addressed defence policy in Perth, highlighting the growing necessity for enhanced military presence in northern Australia. His comments come amid concerns regarding China’s military expansion and recent reports indicating Russia’s interest in establishing a military presence in Indonesia.
Kim Beazley, the former Governor of Western Australia, echoed Dutton’s concerns while emphasizing the importance of adequate resourcing for Australia’s defence strategy. He stated that the country’s defence policy is on the right track, but he noted, “We are going to have to, over the next few years, shift priorities to get there.”
The Importance of Northern Bases
Dr Troy Lee–Brown, a defence specialist, emphasized that bases located in northern Australia are vital to national security. He stated, “The bases to the north are important because it’s our first line of defence.” The need for these bases to grow more operationally sustainable is compounded by changes in the regional security environment.
In light of recent developments, questions have been raised about Australia’s military preparedness. The Defence Strategic Review pointed to these issues, arguing that Australia needs to improve its military posture to the north. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated this point, saying, “One of the things that the Defence Strategic Review indicated was the need for our posture, our defence force posture, to be located towards the north.”
Against this backdrop, the Chief of Defence Force Kim Beazley was once quoted praising the readiness of Australia’s military “platforms.” He noted, “We’re not completely unprepared but we don’t have yet enough, and the government is undertaking to ensure that we start to get enough.” This recognition of gaps in capability makes higher priority an urgent need for upgrades and staffing at these important, strategic, but under-resourced bases.
Financial Implications and Strategic Investments
Defence academic Professor Peter Dean has costed improvements to RAAF Base Learmonth at between $6 and $8 billion. This project is an important long-term investment in the base’s future. This massive expenditure brings into sharp focus the issue of defence spending priorities and budget priorities in the ADF.
Dutton emphasized the need for investment in military capabilities, stating, “So we should look more closely with the United States and see what further investment can be made by the US in the top-end.” This outlook is in line with the Australian Government’s increased focus on working alongside like-minded countries to strengthen Australia’s defence posture.
These upgrades aren’t just a question of money. They demand a significant investment of people power. Beazley pointed out that it “does cost money and it does take people and all has to be provided in order to be able to do it.” With conversations around military commitments and resourcing ongoing, this funding and staffing commitment is key.
Political Perspectives on Military Presence
The political climate around a military buildup in northern Western Australia may be equally tricky. WA Premier Roger Cook was pleased with the current military presence. Deep down, he knew that none would go as far as the real every western Australian premier would support a far bigger military footprint in the state.
Dutton’s sentiments, spoken on an eventful Friday over the summer, represent a growing bipartisan awareness of this need. He stated that he would “look at the advice from Defence at the time” regarding whether bases in northern WA should be permanently staffed. Such openness to reassessment is reassuring and signals an evolving dialogue on how best to secure Australia’s northern coast in the years to come.
This year’s aerial defense worries quickly escalated when Russia reportedly threatened to establish air bases in Indonesia. In return, Australia has been given ironclad promises that these demands will not be met. This assurance is meant to address some worries and should help do so, but it only underscores the fragile, tenuous nature of regional security dynamics.
As Dr. Lee-Brown pointed out, “As the region becomes more fractious and strategic warning time has evaporated … it’s strategically important for Australia to have its northern bases running at a greater capacity than they currently are.” His perspective speaks to a greater sense of urgency that infuses both political leaders and defence experts of all backgrounds to improve Australia’s best military preparedness.
