CONTENTS

2005-2006
STATEMENT of POLICY
by
Navy League of Australia
Federal Council

The strategic background to Australia's security has changed in recent decades and in some respects become more uncertain. The League believes it is essential that Australia develops the capability to defend itself, paying particular attention to maritime defence. Australia is, of geographical necessity, a maritime nation whose prosperity strength and safety depend to a great extent on the security of the surrounding ocean and island areas, and on seaborne trade.

The Navy League:
. Believes Australia can be defended against attack by other than a super or major maritime power and that the prime requirement of our defence is an evident ability to control the sea and air space around us and to contribute to defending essential lines of sea and air communication to our allies.
. Supports the ANZUS Treaty and the future reintegration of New Zealand as a full partner.
. Urges a close relationship with the nearer ASEAN countries, PNG and the Island States of the South Pacific.
. Advocates the acquisition of the most modem armaments, surveillance systems and sensors to ensure that the ADF maintains some technological advantages over forces in our general area.
. Supports the acquisition of unmanned aircraft such as the GLOBAL HAWK and UCAVs.
. Believes there must be a significant deterrent element in the ADF capable of powerful retaliation at considerable distances from Australia.
. Believes the ADF must have the capability to protect essential shipping at considerable distances from Australia, as well as in coastal waters.
. Supports the concept of a strong modem Air Force and highly mobile Army, capable of island and jungle warfare as well as the defence of Northern Australia and with the requisite skills and equipment to play its part in combating terrorism.
. Advocates that a proportion of the projected new fighters for the ADF be of the STOVL version to enable operation from suitable ships and minor airfields to support overseas deployments.
. Supports the development of amphibious forces to ensure the security of our offshore territories and to enable assistance to be provided by sea as well as by air to friendly island states in our area and to allies.
. Endorses the control of Coastal Surveillance by the defence force and the development of the capability for patrol and surveillance of the ocean areas all around the Australian coast and island territories, including the Southern Ocean.
. Advocates measures to foster a build-up of Australian-owned shipping to ensure the carriage of essential cargoes in war.

As to the RAN, the League:
. Supports the concept of a Navy capable of effective action off both East and West coasts simultaneously and advocates a gradual build up of the Fleet and its afloat support ships to ensure that, in conjunction with the RAAF, this can be achieved against any force which could be deployed in our general area.
. Is concerned that the offensive and defensive capability of the RAN has decreased markedly in recent decades and that with the paying-off of the DDGs, the Fleet lacks area air defence and has a reduced capability for support of ground forces.
. Advocates the very early acquisition of the projected Air Warfare Destroyers. . Advocates the acquisition of long-range precision weapons and the capability of applying long-range precision flfe to increase the present limited power projection, support and deterrent capability of the RAN.
. Advocates the acquisition at an early date of integrated air power in the fleet to ensure that ADF deployments can be fully defended and supported from the sea. . Advocates that all Australian warships should be equipped with some form of defence against missiles.
. Advocates the future build up of submarine strength to at least 8 vessels.
. Advocates that in any future submarine construction program all forms of propulsion be examined with a view to selecting the most advantageous operationally.
. Supports the maintenance and continuing development of a balanced fleet including a mine-countermeasures force, a hydrographic/ oceanographic element, a patrol boat force capable of operating in severe sea states, and adequate afloat support vessels.
. Supports the development of defence industry supported by strong research and design organisations capable of constructing and supporting all needed types of warships and support vessels.
. Advocates the retention in a Reserve Fleet of Naval vessels of potential value in defence emergency. . Supports the maintenance of a strong Naval Reserve to help crew vessels and aircraft in reserve, or taken up for service, and for specialised tasks in time of defence emergency.
. Supports the maintenance of a strong Australian Navy Cadets organisation.

The League:
Calls. for a bipartisan political approach to national defence with a commitment to a steady long-term build-up in our national defence capability including the required industrial infrastructure.
While recognising budgetary constraints, believes that, given leadership by successive governments, Australia can defend itself in the longer term within acceptable financial, economic and manpower parameters.