Chapter 6
Conclusion
6.1
Professor Denzil Miller, a South African-born expert with a long
international history of involvement in Antarctic and Southern Ocean affairs,
and presently a senior representative of the Government of Tasmania, offered the
following perception of Australia's role in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean:
If you really wanted to ask me, in both my previous and
present lives where and at which country I looked with envy for Antarctic
associations and Southern Ocean activities, there was only one and that was
Australia. It is the real deal as far as I am concerned. That goes right across
all sorts of things. It goes across environmental stewardship, it goes across
diplomatic action, it goes across scientific capability and competence, it goes
across governance capability and it goes across political will...
We have to accept that this is an expensive business –
Antarctica is an expensive business – but the benefits that we receive as a
nation from that business are enormous. It allows us to have a place that is
very high and very central in the world. It allows us to look after an area
south of us that is free of international discord. It was the first
de-nuclearised continent on the planet. It fits in with our basic values. It is
our space program. It is about the nation. To me and in my perception, that was
something that I was always very envious of and I am now very proud of.[1]
6.2
An acknowledged middle power in many facets of our international
engagement, in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters Australia is a world
leader. Australia engages in the region with a solid historical record, a
unique geographical proximity, an expansive sovereignty and a significant international
responsibility. The importance of the Southern Ocean to Australia is under-acknowledged
but undeniable, and while the costs of our activities there are high, the
present and potential benefits are numerous in strategic, diplomatic,
environmental and economic terms.
6.3
Australia's leadership is, however, not assured. Growing interest and
activity from new nations in Antarctica and its waters is being met by
declining Australian investment in personnel, science and operations. The
significant role that the Southern Ocean plays in shaping the Australian and
global climate requires further understanding, at a time when Australian
research capacity in the region is being rapidly lost. Inadequate patrol
resources challenge Australian authorities trying to counter an increasing threat
from illegal fishing, and the impact of growing tourism on Australia's
expansive search and rescue responsibilities. After a significant legal victory
against whaling in the Southern Ocean in 2014, Australia's response to the
threat of its future resumption is uncertain.
6.4
A hard decision is required. Does Australia remain a principal and
influential player on its southern border and maximise the benefits of
significant past investment, or is it time for government to let that
leadership slide?
6.5
This inquiry has made clear to the committee that the Southern Ocean and
Antarctic waters represent a region of significant interest and comparative
advantage for Australia. As such, the committee believes that Australia should
place importance upon maintaining its leadership in the region, prioritising its
interests there, and restoring the resources necessary to support them.
6.6
The completion of the 20 Year Strategic Plan in 2014 was an important
and constructive initiative offering a blueprint for the way forward in respect
of Antarctica. The government's commitment to move forward with the
construction of a new icebreaker vessel also represents a positive and
necessary investment. Collaboration between the Commonwealth and Tasmanian
governments toward maximising the potential of Hobart as an Antarctic Gateway
city is encouraging and needs to continue.
6.7
In this report, the committee has made practical recommendations to
ensure the protection and promotion of Australia's key interests in the
Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters. The committee is of the view that
increased investment is required in a number of areas including scientific
research initiatives and the work of the Australian Antarctic Division
necessary to support these; in new and more appropriate maritime patrol
resources; and in port and maritime infrastructure in Tasmania. The committee
has recommended a number of actions which seek to enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of the various government processes that support Australia's
Southern Ocean interests. The report has also focused on opportunities to further
exploit the potential for greater international cooperation and resource
sharing, in a region where international collaboration is particularly strong.
6.8
The committee commends the excellent work being done by numerous people
and bodies in various parts of the Commonwealth government, as well as in the
Tasmanian government, the private sector and non-government organisations, to
facilitate Australia's multifaceted engagement in the important waters to Australia's
south. Much is already being done that largely goes un-noticed, at a time and
in an environment of significant challenge. The committee hopes this report
will provide a constructive contribution to highlighting the value of that
work, and ensuring that it will attract the support it demands to remain a
flagship for Australia into the future.
Senator Alex Gallacher
Chair
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