Strengthen defence in nw: review

AAPThe West Australian A defence review has recommended expanding bases in Perth as well as improving the ability for warships to use commercial ports such as Exmouth, Dampier, Port Hedland

and Broome. The defence posture review identified potential weaknesses in the Australian Defence Force’s ability to sustain high tempo operations for more than a few months in the nation’s

north and west. In the interim report released today, former defence department secretaries Ric Smith and Alan Hawke recommend a series of changes to enhance Defence’s presence across

northern Australia. These recommendations include expanding the capacity of some existing bases at Perth, Darwin and Cairns, and improving arrangements for warships to make use of commercial

ports. New permanent navy bases in the north-west were not necessary, given the availability of bases at Perth and Darwin, it says. However, an additional east coast navy base, in a

location like Brisbane, may be needed to ease pressure on the crowded Fleet Base East in Sydney. Defence Minister Stephen Smith says a final report would be presented to the Government by

the end of March and its recommendations would be considered in preparation for the 2014 Defence White Paper. “I would be reluctant to comment on the merits of any of the proposals given

that these will be matters for consideration by the Government in the White Paper 2014 process,” he said. The Force Posture Review, the first since the early 1980s, was launched in June last

year to assess whether the ADF was appropriately positioned geographically to meet emerging strategic challenges. Mr Smith said challenges include the rise of Indian Ocean rim powers such

as India, and the emergence of a vital energy and resources belt across Australia’s north and west. He said the interim review noted there was much to be commended about the current defence

posture. But significant future investment would be required, particularly in northern Australia, to meet long-term strategic and security interests. “Potentially significant weaknesses and

risks have been identified in our force posture that mostly relate to the capacity of ADF bases, facilities and training areas, particularly in Australia’s north and west regions, and our

ability to sustain high tempo operations beyond a few months,” the review said. Mr Smith said in that context, the navy faced the greatest challenges, followed by the air force. The review

also noted there was a perception of a lack of defence visibility in Australia’s north and west. “More visibility, not necessarily by new or additional bases but by a greater presence, would

reinforce the defence of Australia policy and bring greater visibility and presence to northern Australian,” he said. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our

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