Admiral Barrie and Australia's best interests

March 22, 2025

Admiral Barrie is no left-wing radical. He is a former chief of the Australian Navy. Many consider him the bad boy of Operation Sovereign Borders as he was the leader of that for a number of years. But he is a careful strategic thinker in Australia’s interest and any politician should take note of what he is saying. He is not the only one saying it.

I have seen and heard comments from others of his generation in the public service who are saying that Australia should move away quickly from our former relationship with the US and look for other friends. Keating’s idea of developing relationships in Asia is a good start.