Australians are becoming more fearful in an insecure world, and want to see the country armed up, favouring more defence spending and the planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
The secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kathryn Campbell, has been replaced in a shake-up of federal departmental heads announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Anthony Albanese has switched Tanya Plibersek from education to environment and promoted Clare O'Neil into the plum home affairs ministry in a 23-member cabinet that contains a record 10 women.
At this week’s meetings, Japan and India will be looking for signs that Australia is serious about Asia. The US will be reviewing its expectations about its AUKUS partner.
Srdjan Vucetic, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
Canada’s F-35 flip-flop amid the Ukraine war underscores the need for a far-reaching, comprehensive review of the defence, security, diplomatic and development issues facing the country.
While there has been a big spend on cyber capabilities, many other aspects of defence and security have been neglected. The budget highlights the lack of a comprehensive national security policy.
The sanctions are likely to last beyond the current conflict. This may end up bringing about a solution to Africa’s desire to produce its own military hardware for its own use.
The US, Australia, Japan and India are keen to show they are not merely reacting to their rivals’ agendas, but are able to offer their own ambitious solutions for the Indo-Pacific.