The devil in the detail: Australia’s first National Security Statement

This Policy Analysis, authored by Carl Ungerer and Anthony Bergin, examines the inaugural Australian National Security Statement released last Thursday by the Prime Minister. The statement goes some way to outlining the broad range of risks and threats facing Australia, but it represents only a partial strategy. At this stage, the jury must remain out on whether a number of the changes the statement suggests will work to improve our national security.

Special Report Issue 17 – The thin green line: Climate change and Australian policing

This report examines the implications of climate change for Australia’s police forces and officers.

The report has a number of recommendations including the creation of an information hub and the development of risk assessments of the locations that will be most affected by climate change as part of a multi-agency strategic approach to climate change adaptation.

Special Report Issue 16 – Public opinion in Australia towards defence, security and terrorism

This paper traces the public’s changing views of the main issues relating to defence and security over an extended period. Authored by Professor Ian McAllister, it identifies three key views of the public on defence and security. ASPI contributors include Carl Ungerer, Rod Lyon and Andrew Davies.

The paper builds on previous ASPI publications Attitude Matters: Public opinion in Australia towards defence and security and Representative Views: Mass and elite opinion on Australian security also authored by Ian McAllister.

The Cost of Defence: ASPI Defence budget brief 2008-2009

This report gives interested readers greater access to the complex workings of the Defence Budget and promotes informed debate on Defence budget issues.

Strategic Insights 39 – Taking a punch: Building a more resilient Australia

The paper, authored by David Templeman and Anthony Bergin, examines how Australia can bounce back from all hazards, not just terrorism.

The paper recommends a number of specific measures to build a more resilient Australia.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: An Australian response

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the first multinational security body outside the US orbit to emerge since the Cold War’s end. This Policy Analysis outlines the SCO’s origins and development, analyses the group’s internal dynamics and offers an Australian policy response.

The next Defence White Paper: The strategic environment

This Policy Analysis examines the challenges confronting the forthcoming Defence White Paper.The paper argues that the White Paper needs to define the relationship between three core variables: a complex strategic environment, a set of decisions about Australia’s role in the world, and the constraints that limit that role.

Widening horizons: Australia’s new relationship with India

The report examines the effects this will have on the strategic architecture of Asia and the challenges facing Australia in developing the relationship between the two countries.

Given India’s rise as a significant Indian Ocean and Asian power, Australia has pressing reasons for developing a more secure platform for a lasting relationship.

The Cost of Defence: ASPI Defence budget brief 2007-2008

This report gives interested readers greater access to the complex workings of the Defence Budget and promotes informed debate on Defence budget issues.

Special Report Issue 4 – Are we ready? Healthcare preparedness for catastrophic terrorism

In this report the authors suggest that while positive steps have been taken in recent years, there are deficiencies in our healthcare system for mass casualty care. It suggests that further steps need to be taken to meet our healthcare preparedness, response and recovery goals for mass casualty incidents.

While recognising that some hospital resource issues would need a response by the States, there are significant steps that can and should be taken by the Australian Government.