(John Coyne – The Strategist) Since the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the government has spoken often and loudly about the strategic importance of northern Australia. The language has been consistent: a more dangerous region, a need to operate from Australia’s north, and a requirement for a network of hardened, resilient bases able to support sustained operations alongside allies. That framing was reinforced in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which placed northern Australia at the centre of Australia’s deterrence posture and emphasised forward presence, logistics, sustainment and resilience. We now await the next National Defence Strategy, expected in April, which will again test whether strategic intent is being translated into an enduring posture. For those living and working in the north, particularly in the Northern Territory, there’s genuine appreciation for the economic opportunities that have flowed from this focus. The US Force Posture Initiatives, expanded exercises, and base hardening have delivered visible construction activity. Local firms have invested, skills have been built and businesses have aligned themselves with Defence’s long-term signals.
National security will suffer if Defence keeps cutting northern presence | The Strategist
