Australia needs to have such a compelling conventional defence deterrence - that makes the cost too high for any opportunistic actor - to contemplate attacking or invading our nation. This requires the establishment of a sovereign defence capacity that includes researching & developing leading edge, next generation deterrence capabilities and systems. All next generation defence deterrence and systems should require to be activated by people and normally require approval by our Common Wealth parliament before being used - as a defense deterrence only.
The following principles inform the RepresentUs - Australia - Movement's perspective on establishing an authentic sovereign defence capability and strategic deterrence against any external actors coercion against Australia:
Providing diversified economic relationships that do not rely on any individual external nation to the detriment of our national or strategic interests as a sovereign nation
Strategically deploying well resourced political, social and economic diplomacy that provides a clear strategy against any form of foreign coercion
Building political, social, economic and strategic coalitions with likeminded partners weighted appropriately towards our region
All existing foreign and defence treaties will be maintained, however Australia will develop an effective defence capability that does not presume that our allies and friends will always be able to come to our assistance in all circumstances
Australian armed forces will not be involved in overseas activities except for peace keeping, assisting in natural emergencies, clear breaches of international norms, and to aid our friends and/or allies in defending against unprovoked attacks
All Australian armed forces will have a clear chain of command for any military action with appropriate levels of transparency that includes checks and balances, oversight and accountability mechanisms in place - for and by - representatives from our Common Wealth Parliament.
Any military action must be debated in our Common Wealth Parliament and agreed by a majority of 60%, unless there is a clear and urgent national security need to defend Australian sovereignty
Where there has been a clear and urgent security need to defend Australian sovereignty, and military action has been taken without consultation of Parliament, this must be debated by Parliament within a week of the action