It may be a common perception that Australia’s western boundary runs along the beautiful, majestic West Australian coast. In actual fact, the westernmost reaches of Australia are the boundaries created by the Indian Ocean Territories, and are closer to Jakarta than they are to Perth.
Despite their distance from the mainland, the small sun-drenched communities of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands remain uniquely Australian. The deep connection of the local communities to their diverse ethnic and cultural heritage complements their Australian way of life.
The present inquiry and report is markedly different to those carried out previously by this Committee. While several previous inquiries have examined economic and governance issues in the Indian Ocean Territories, the purpose of our inquiry has been to take a step back and consider these territories from a broader, strategic perspective. In the process of doing so, the Committee has affirmed that the recommendations of previous reports remain as relevant as ever. Rather than wishing to detract from or displace the conclusions reached by our predecessors, the present inquiry instead seeks to reinforce and build on the work of earlier committees.
As part of the inquiry, I was fortunate to join Committee colleagues in meeting with local communities on Christmas Island, West Island and Home Island to see first-hand this beautiful corner of our nation. While many Australians may associate the region as a key plank of Australia’s defence and border protection activities, the Committee’s inquiry also highlighted vibrant communities, deeply committed to Australian values.
This report charts the inquiry’s considerations, commencing with an examination of the strategic and geopolitical context that underpin the strategic importance of these small islands for Australia. Our nation finds itself in the unique position of balancing its historic and emerging military and strategic partnerships in the region with the fact that the Indian Ocean sea lanes are vital to our economic and trade security.
The Committee considered Australia’s strategic infrastructure assets on the islands, particularly those that further Australia’s defence capabilities and border protection commitments. While the Australian Government might wish to extend these capabilities in the islands, it must actively consider that Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories are also home to vibrant communities and businesses. There is a need to ensure appropriate consultation with these communities regarding the Australian Government’s future plans for the region and, where possible, positively contributing to the community through infrastructure projects and by engaging local businesses and service providers.
Through its inquiry, the Committee has the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of stakeholders including representatives of Australian Government agencies with interests in the Indian Ocean Territories and strategic analysts with a deep understanding of the defence and strategic considerations that underpin Australia’s commitment to the Indian Ocean Territories and these island communities.
Finally, and most importantly, the Committee thanks the residents of the Indian Ocean Territories who provided an important local perspective to this inquiry. Their warm hospitality and candour provided the Committee with a vital understanding of the region along with the challenges and opportunities that it presents. The Committee now has a renewed understanding of community perspectives and aspirations, which we hope to convey to the Australian Government through this report.
Mr Ben Morton MP
Chair