ANZUS and NATO kaput: Australia keeps blinkers on

March 18, 2025

I almost agree with everything Jack Waterford says. My disagreement is with his view of America. The US hasn’t changed. Trump has merely removed its thick veneer of caring about the rest of the world. When, as Waterford reminds us, “in the one true test of ANZUS commitments — Indonesia’s invasion of Irian Jaya in 1963 — the US told Australia bluntly that it stood by Indonesia” we chose to keep wearing blinkers rather than recognise the truth. As we still do. Yes, our friends and allies “will” wake up “before our political leaders summon up their courage”. They are already doing so. Our politicians “are” still “being foolish and negligent about our national defence”.

Australia has been, and will remain, on current political indicators, both doormat and golden goose to the US. Many ordinary Australians are now beginning to see clearly. We must demand the same of our politicians. If they refuse… we have an election coming up. If ever it was, “it’s time” for change — out with the old, in with the new, on both ALP and LNP benches — that time is now!

Let us learn from our great Commonwealth ally, Canada.