Australia is not prepared to defend itself. We must act now. | No Higher Priority book launch

In Sydney on 5 March 2025 at the State Library of New South Wales, the Institute of Public Affairs was proud to host General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retired) to launch its new book, No Higher Priority: A Blueprint for immediate Action on Australia’s Defence 2025-2028. No Higher Priority outlines key, immediate action a future government must undertake to reinforce Australia’s defence capability in the next term of parliament. The research underpinning No Hight Priority has been undertaken by the Institute of Public Affairs, in partnership with Peter Jennings AO, Michael Shoebridge and Marcus Hellyer of Strategic Analysis Australia. Australia is facing its most challenging security environment since the Second World War, but despite this, successive governments have left the country dramatically unprepared to defend itself. This has occurred because of complacency in defence and policy circles, and the belief that Australia’s major threats had receded following the end of the Cold War. However, Australia’s strategic outlook is rapidly worsening just as its ability to deter aggression and defend itself has been degraded. At this critical juncture, policymakers need to urgently transform and strengthen the combat capability of the Australian Defence Force in order to make the country more resilient, to enhance our influence regionally and globally, and to ensure we are better able to respond to strategic shocks. This vital research will reshape the debate about Australia’s security and defence capabilities in the years ahead. To purchase a copy of the book visit: http://ipa.org.au/no-higher-priority If you would like to support more content like this, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at: https://members.ipa.org.au/donate/ To find out more about the IPA’s research or to join visit: https://ipa.org.au