Australia's new role in the 'Asia Pacific'

Radio Australia - 14 Dec 99 (11.13am)

Australia to have a new role in leading future peacekeeping operations

Australia's military chief says Australia will have a new role leading future peacekeeping operations in the Asia Pacific.

Admiral Chris Barrie says the professional performance in East Timor peacekeeping and Bougainville peace monitoring shows why Australia will be a force-of-choice for the United Nations.

The Chief of the Defence Force says Australia has traditionally planned to operate overseas in a coalition led by the United States.

Admiral Barrie says it's a departure for Australia to lead a coalition as it is in East Timor.

He says Australia might be expected to lead similar forces in the Asia Pacific in the future.

Admiral Barrie says the Defence White Paper to be issued next year will have to look at how Australia positions itself in the region.

There's a gap in our doctrinal thinking. Because on one hand our doctrine looked at defence of Australia requirements. On the other hand it looked at interoperability, participation in US-led coalitions and other things. And I think the gap we need to address quite quickly is what does it mean to be the leader of a small coalition operation such as we have in E.Timor. What sort of responsibilities does that give us if that is to become an endorsed role for the ADF.

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