Former Attorney General Issues Caution Against Disregarding Global Conflicts
Former Senator George Brandis and high commissioner to the UK said Western democracies look to Australia to lead the way in the Indo-Pacific.
Former federal Attorney-General George Brandis has cautioned about the lack of debate concerning potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific and a lack of awareness regarding Australia’s global responsibilities.
“One of the things that has struck me very strongly is how few voices there are in the national security discussion in Australia. The debate about Australia’s position in the world, our position in the region, foreign policy, and strategic policy generally tend to go over the head of the general public,” he mentioned during an event in Brisbane on June 12.
Mr. Brandis, currently a professor at the Australian National University’s (ANU) National Security College in Canberra, emphasized the scarcity of voices in government and politics engaging in debates on national security policy.
He pointed out that Australia’s “national security community” in the capital is relatively small compared to other democracies, with few commentators and experts.
The former Liberal Party senator highlighted recent briefings he received in London from the UK’s Chief of Armed Forces Tony Radakin, who expressed concerns about the world being in a “pre-war era.” He emphasized the need for Australia to catch up with other democracies in recognizing and addressing global threats.
Mr. Brandis also raised concerns about the partnership between Moscow and Beijing known as “No Limits,” signed in 2022, warning that conflicts in Europe could impact Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.
As the Euro-Atlantic democracies look to the Indo-Pacific, Mr. Brandis stressed the importance of Australia playing a significant role in global politics.
CCP Leader’s Official Visit to Australia
These comments come as Australian leaders prepare for a visit from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Premier Li Qiang. The ongoing normalization of ties between Australia and China is a part of this visit, particularly in relation to trade links with Australia’s wine and mining industries.
However, concerns persist about military expansionism in the South-West Pacific region and revelations of Beijing-linked espionage within Australia.
Chinese defector “Eric” recently disclosed the presence of about 1,200 CCP-linked operatives in Australia, including professional spies and informants from the local Asian community. He warned Western governments about underestimating the CCP and its totalitarian nature, likening it to fascist organizations like the German Nazi Party.
As Eric called on his former comrades to disassociate from the CCP, he highlighted the party’s ruthless approach to threats and urged vigilance against forced organ harvesting perpetrated by CCP-linked entities.
