IPAN – Plan B for defence – neutrality
Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26 JULY 2018
IPAN calls for a better Plan B for Australia’s defence
IPAN calls for a public discussion on neutrality for Australia “in the face of continuing uncertainty towards the alliance and global rules-based order”.
Speaking at the invitation of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), historian and author Peter Stanley agrees with recent calls that Australia should respond to global instability by developing a Plan B for our defence strategy.
“Peter Jennings and Paul Dibb of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), have recently published articles (online) arguing that the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s policies obliges Australia to devise alternative strategies – but basically within the ANZUS alliance,” Stanley said.
“I’m glad ASPI is coming to this realisation (if belatedly) of the need for a strategic review. The ANZUS alliance has been problematic for Australia for some time. I think we need to discuss the option of neutrality for Australia – Australians should be talking about what they want, not simply accepting the alliance as a given,” said Stanley.
“Our current military strategy doesn’t prioritise defence of Australia, but rather support for US strategy. We should instead focus on capability for defence of Australia in case of attack, development of good relations with our neighbours and an increase in our soft power through a re-invigorated aid program,” he said. “Peter Jennings’ hope in relying on the US could take us in the wrong direction and contribute to an arms race in the region,” he continued.
“Australia has been like a child, hiding behind the skirts of the US, when there has been no guarantee that it would come to our aid in the the event of a crisis for Australia, and that is even more evident today under Trump’s America. A re-evaluation of our defence strategy is long overdue,” he said.
—–ENDS—–
CONTACT: Peter Stanley, 0421 451 088
Peter Stanley will discuss the topic of neutrality at a public meeting on 26th September, 6.30pm at the ACT Legislative Assembly Reception Room.
Further information: Kathryn Kelly 0417 269 984, IPAN National committee member, ACT See Neutrality for Australia?