REGIONAL super-power rivalry, the rise of China and India, energy security, cyber-terrorism and climate change pose the biggest emerging worries for Australians, a community consultation panel on the defence white paper has found.
While there is broad support for a modern, well-equipped Australian Defence Force, there is increasing unease in the wider community about the amount of money gobbled up by military spending, about $22 billion a year.
The consultation team, led by former Labor MP Stephen Loosley, released its findings yesterday after receiving more than 450 public submissions.
Titled Looking Over the Horizon, the consultation paper covers a range of topical issues, including regional alliances, emerging threats, military procurement, recruitment and the role of the ADF.
They will form an important part of the formal defence white paper expected to be released later this month.
"The public debate and suggestions generated by the program are, as I have stated previously, essential to the white paper process," said Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
There is growing concern in some areas about the rise of China and India and fears of a destabilising super-power rivalry in the region, but Mr Fitzgibbon was quick to play down any threat from China.
"All of us collectively believe that China will make an important contribution as a growing power in the region. In an economic sense, in particular in the future, it is incumbent upon us as international partners to make sure that overwhelmingly that contribution is a positive one," he said.
Cyber-terrorism appears to be raising public anxiety levels, according to the panel's findings, along with energy and resource security and problems associated with climate change.
Communities in northern Australia said they were worried about maritime and border security.
There was public support for a beefed-up navy, including modernisation of the submarine fleet, with a "significant number of submissions" calling for a larger fleet of 8-12 next-generation boats. Of all three services, the navy has the worst recruitment figures and suffers from having virtually no anti-submarine helicopter capability.
One submission suggested 100 prominent Australians act as ADF ambassadors to drum up support for defence recruitment.
Others argued for a more effective use of the defence reserve force.
The extended deployment of special forces in Afghanistan was also questioned by several community groups, which queried whether regular infantry battalions might do the work.
While Australians recognise that the current security situation is broadly benign, there are new and emerging threats , Mr Loosley said. "Over all, most Australians see the key roles of the ADF as being the securing of Australia's resources including our offshore resources.
"Australians are also aware that climate change brings with it emerging problems, which will have consequences for Australian policy-makers in the future."
Also causing worries is the cost of purchasing high-end US military hardware. Community support for increased spending on defence fell from 75 per cent in 2000 to 30 per cent last June. The panel believes that support has decreased further during the global financial crisis.
Expressions of concern were also received about defence procurement contracts, including questions about the wisdom of buying Abrams main battle tanks.
