The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, this evening officially launched the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) at a function at the ANZAC Hall of the Australian War Memorial. 

ASPI has been established by the Government as an independent centre of excellence on strategic and defence policy issues. ASPI will provide specialist advice to government and contribute to public understanding of the defence and strategic challenges and choices facing Australia. 

“There is no area where public understanding and informed debate on key issues is more important,” Senator Hill said. “Yet there is not a lot of that debate in the community. 

“Outside defence circles there is little discussion on what are the appropriate roles for the Australian Defence Force. There is little discussion on whether terms of service adequately reflect the aspirations of today’s family. There is even less debate on what the public is prepared to pay for defence. ASPI can and should encourage this debate.” 

Senator Hill said the 2000 Defence White Paper provided the most comprehensive plan Australia had ever had for the development of our defence forces. The Government had also committed to substantial and sustained real increases in Defence spending over the whole of this decade to fund the development of the capabilities Australia needs. But the White Paper was just the beginning – defence policy would need to continue to evolve to meet the challenges of a changed international security environment. 

“ASPI’s success will depend on its ability to make a real contribution to the Government’s thinking and to public understanding on the questions and choices that confront Australia in the defence and strategic area,” Senator Hill said. “It is an important and exciting task. I wish Chairman Bob O’Neill and his council and Hugh White and his staff success with their mission.”

Contact: Catherine Fitzpatrick

Date: Wednesday, 13 March 2002 
By: Australian Strategic Policy Institute