Naval expansion is expensive and unnecessary

March 1, 2024

As Gregorys article indicates, the inclusion on our warships of larger missiles capable of travelling further shows offensive rather than defensive intent. Additionally, the Hunter class warships will involve construction by BAE corporation, which has a long and dubious global reputation of corruption and bribery. The optionally-crewed nature of some ships relies on unproven technology and may add to the history of delayed defence projects in Australia.

The naval expansions AUD$11.1bn cost is massive at a time of desperate need for social housing, cost-of-living relief and climate mitigation. For that money, far more people could be employed in education, health and climate mitigation and adaption.

Australias primary threat is global warming and extreme weather events such as the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfires. We would be better served by new fire-fighting planes and conversion from military operations to disaster response and emergency relief services. Increased spending on foreign aid, cultural ties, diplomacy and refugee resettlement would strengthen regional peace more cheaply and with a lower environmental footprint.

Adopting civilian-based defence, through strengthened international ties, a populace trained in nonviolent defence, and technological defence systems, would be a world-leading response to global warming, regional arms races and outmoded, excessive militarism.