I understand people’s concerns regarding the stability of our national defence, security and trade relationships as we see rapid escalation in world events and traditional relationships under strain including tariffs on Australian products. 

I support the need for strong defence policy, to protect our sovereignty.  In relation to AUKUS – this agreement is costing Australian taxpayers a significant amount, up to $368 bn till the mid-2050s.  However, the political landscape in the US has shifted significantly from when we signed the agreement and political allegiances also appear to have shifted.  I have a question for the Defence Minister, who is privy to confidential  intelligence briefings: does this agreement offer anything close to the security guarantees that were originally promised? Some experts are rightly concerned about the long-term reliability of AUKUS. I am calling for more openness and communication from the Australian government about the agreement and the management of geopolitical risks.

Climate change has been highlighted as the greatest risk to our security, regional stability and to safety, wellbeing and livelihoods by the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group (ASLCG - a group of former and current defence and security leaders, chaired by the former head of the Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie).  The advice from this eminent group is clear – climate change must be addressed as a clear and present risk – the link between climate policy and national and human security is inseparable. The UK’s premier security think tank, Chatham House released a Climate change risk assessment 2021 that is “frankly terrifying”, as Senator Pocock said about the ONI report when he was briefed on it. I am calling for the release of the ONI report, as well as the government’s plan for Australia’s security to meet the risks identified.

As the member for Bean, I will ensure this is at the forefront of the Government’s defence and security agenda.