Section 7. Australia
Australia, as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea, has an alliance with the United States. As seen in its
engagement in the North Korea, East Timor and other issues, Australia has actively been involved in resolution
of Asia and Pacific security issues. (See Part III, Chapter 3, Section 2)
In December 2000, Australia announced “Defence 2000-Our Future Defence Force”, which presented its
defense policy for the coming decade. The document states that the Australian Defence Force has three
missions: First, to defend Australia; Second, to contribute to the security of neighboring countries; and Third,
to contribute effectively to international coalition forces to meet crises beyond Australia’s neighboring
countries to support Australia’s wider interests and objectives. Having reviewed its national defense strategy in
terms of security environment influenced by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and by the bombing in Bali, Indonesia,
in October 2002, Australia released “Australia’s National Security: A Defence Update 2003” in February 2003,
which focuses on such issues as the expanded use of its armed forces in remote areas to deal with terrorism and
the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In December 2005, based on the strategic
principles stated in “Defence 2000” and “A Defence
Update 2003,” Australia announced “Australia’s
National Security: A Defence Update 2005.” This
report sets priorities in Australia’s security strategy to
deal with threats of terrorism, proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, and problems of failing
states. Also, the report mentions that it remains
unlikely that Australia will face conventional military
threats, but there is a continuing need for military
capabilities to address current international security
An Australian soldier providing training to Iraqi soldiers
issues such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.
[Australian Department of Defence]
Furthermore, based on a recognition that
globalization has a significant impact on security policy-related decision making and that countries in AsiaPacific region, especially in North East Asia, are increasing their military capabilities, Australia deems it
necessary to build a defense capability that is versatile and adaptable, and easy to link with other arms of
Australian government, and to build strong security relationships both regionally and globally through
international contribution. Together with the new report, the Australian Department of Defence announced that
it will enhance its army with additional 1,500 personnel in 10 years; however, it decided in August 2006 to
further increase 2,600 personnel in the army in line with the necessity of contributing to the stability of the
region and responding to terrorism.
Australia, attaching importance to its alliance with the United States, has concluded the ANZUS Treaty
(the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America127) and conducted joint
exercises, such as Talisman Sabre. Also, Australia and the United States hold Australia-United States
Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) every year128. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Australia decided to
invoke Article 4 of the said Treaty, which specifies the right of collective self-defense, and dispatched
warships, combat aircraft, and special forces in order to support the U.S. forces conducting counter-terrorism
operations. In the military operations against Iraq that started in March 2003, Australia also dispatched
warships, combat aircraft, and special forces, and, as of May 2007, deploys about 1,580 personnel in Iraq to
assist reconstruction activities.
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Part I Security Environment Surrounding Japan
Seeking to enhance interoperability with the United States, Australia decided to participate in the U.S.-led
missile defense program in December 2003, but concrete form of participation is still under discussion. In
August 2004, Australia determined to adopt the U.S. Aegis system to its new air warfare destroyers. It has also
participated in the U.S.-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, expecting F/A-18 and F-111, both of which are
its main fighters, to retire in the coming several years, and upgraded the U.S.-Australia joint training facilities
in Australia129.
Australia also conducts joint exercises with Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and New Zealand
based on the Five Power Defense Arrangements (which came into effect in 1971). In addition, Australia took
part in U.N. PKOs, such as United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).
In terms of relations with Indonesia, Australia has provided the country with cooperation to enhance its
counterterrorism capacity after the Bali terrorist bombing in October 2002. However, another terrorist bombing
occurred in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in September 2004 and another in Bali in October 2005,
and both countries agreed to resume joint exercises between their respective special forces in December
2005 130. Furthermore, in November 2006, both countries signed the security agreement, which states
cooperation in a wide range of fields, including defense, counterterrorism, and intelligence, to aim at
strengthening cooperation and consultation on issues affecting their individual or common security.
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