Australia Faces “Alarming Deficit” in Power, Influence Amidst Deteriorating Global Security: Ley
Australia is dangerously unprepared for a rapidly deteriorating global security landscape, lacking the military strength, industrial capacity, and energy resilience needed to withstand a major regional conflict, according to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. In a keynote address scheduled for Thursday at the Menzies Institute in Melbourne, Ley will outline a stark warning and position national security as the Coalition’s top priority.
A World Reshaped by Turmoil
Ley will argue that the world is undergoing a fundamental shift driven by “war, technology, trade turmoil, and profound social change,” demanding a comprehensive, national response to bolster defence preparedness. “Under Labor, in every field – military, diplomatic, economic – australia is experiencing a distinct and alarming deficit of power and influence,” she is expected to state. “We cannot shape our region and the wider world in our interests if we do not strengthen our defence force, hone our intelligence capabilities and have the tough conversations.”
The speech comes at a critical juncture for the Coalition, as it seeks to reassert its credentials on national security following a period of internal debate over defense spending and strategic priorities.
According to an advance copy of her speech, Ley will emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to national security, leveraging diplomatic tools and economic influence to shape regional dynamics and prevent conflict. Though, she will assert that effective diplomacy hinges on a credible ability to “credibly deter others from using force” through a stronger military and unwavering national resolve.
She will also directly accuse the Albanese government of inaction on critical procurement, specifically citing a failure to issue production orders for guided missiles and warning that protracted timelines are eroding Australia’s deterrent capabilities. Ley will outline three urgent priorities for revitalizing the defense industrial base: an integrated air and missile defense system, rapid development of unmanned systems, and enhanced sovereign satellite connectivity.
China’s Access to Critical Minerals
The speech will also touch upon the strategic implications of Australia’s resource exports, noting that China is currently sourcing critical minerals needed for its nuclear program from Australian mines.This underscores the complex interplay between economic interests and national security concerns.
ley will cite recent Lowy institute polling revealing that nearly a quarter of Australians do not believe they would defend the contry,characterizing this as evidence of a concerning cultural shift. She will signal her intention to address this issue by working to “change cultural attitudes and uplift national pride so that more Australians believe our nation is worth defending.”
Energy Security as a National Imperative
Just days after the Coalition revised its stance on net zero emissions, Ley will pivot to the critical issue of energy security, arguing that it is now paramount to national preparedness. “Fuel and energy security are now among the most crucial things determining our national preparedness to endure a conflict or crisis. And the situation is dire,” she will state. “This is why we need to embrace energy abundance and put affordability first. That’s what our plan we released on monday is all about.”
Ley will highlight the vulnerability of Australia’s liquid fuel supplies, warning that the nation currently possesses only a few weeks’ worth of reserves. “If our fuel supply is cut, Australia will only have a matter of days to a couple of weeks before domestic freight and aviation ceases entirely,” she will warn, emphasizing the potential for widespread disruption to essential services like grocery and medicine delivery. She will criticize the government for weakening minimum fuel stockholding obligations and advocate for increased investment in domestic production, including biofuels and efuels.
Furthermore, Ley will argue that Australia is diminishing its energy independence despite possessing considerable gas reserves, and will assert that increased access to gas is crucial for key defense programs, including the AUKUS submarines initiative. She will also point to the absence of a comprehensive national AI strategy as a significant oversight.
Ley concluded by expressing her support for the increased transparency from national security agency heads and encouraged them to continue openly addressing the threats facing the country.
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