Erin Molan calls for a National Security Strategy.
Veteran journalist Erin Molan, daughter of the late Major General and NSW Senator Jim Molan, is issuing a stark challenge to Australian politics: take national security seriously and stop treating the public as naive bystanders.
In an era where national security reigns as the paramount responsibility of any government, the escalating threats demand urgent attention. Yet, amidst mounting challenges and fleeting opportunities in the rapidly transforming global and Indo-Pacific landscape, the Australian government’s lack of border security is glaring.
Molan’s call resonates with many who recognize the urgent need for a coherent national security strategy. She highlights the failures of successive governments in adequately addressing these concerns, emphasizing that safety should precede all other considerations. She criticizes policymakers’ disregard for the deteriorating global balance of power, a situation exacerbated by an ailing United States.
Drawing from her father’s advocacy for a national security strategy, Molan exposes the government’s inadequacy in preparedness for looming threats. She points out the nation’s vulnerabilities, including defence capabilities and fuel supply, underscoring the dire state of affairs despite official reassurances.
Molan’s frustration is palpable as she recounts her father’s uphill battle to garner support for a comprehensive strategy. She laments the ignorance and negligence of those in power, fuelling her anger and determination to push for change.
Acknowledging recent efforts such as the Defence Strategic Review, Molan insists on further improvements. She stresses the need for a comprehensive and coordinated national security strategy akin to the United States’ model, emphasizing Australia’s historical resilience in the face of adversity.
However, Molan warns against complacency, highlighting the disconnect between political rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by Australians. She cautions that unless both policymakers and the public confront these challenges head-on, Australia risks drifting into a perilous future, relinquishing control over its destiny.
The consequences of inaction are grave, with long-term national security at stake. Molan urges immediate action to position Australia to navigate the seismic shifts reshaping the global landscape.
Ultimately, Molan underscores the importance of aligning individual and national interests, urging Australians to demand accountability and foresight from their leaders. Failure to heed this call risks squandering opportunities and imperilling the nation’s future.
National Service whether it be Military or of the Civil variety would be invaluable to Australia in the future as suggested by Erin Milan. Politicians of all persuasions need to stand up for Australia unless medically unfit. If not medically fit then be channeled into a civilian role. We as a country need training. Being back School Cadets.
National service both Military or Civil as described by Erin Milan imperative
Well said Erin Molan
Yes we need a system of National Service but for goodness sake, let us learn the lessons from past schemes and not make the same mistakes again.
The characteristics of a new scheme should be:
It must be universal. THat is, it must impose an obligation on everyone – male and female.
However, not everyone need serve in the Army. And not everyone should be required to serve at the same age or stage of their career. I suggest an obligation for every able-bodied Citizen to serve a period of 14 weeks training or service at some time during every five years between the ages of 18 and 35. (That adds up to about 365 days or one year.)
Those choosing not to serve in Defence Services, could serve in alternative services such as police, fire, ambulance, paramedic, coast watch, search and rescue services.