Australia has long sought to shake off its history as an imperial outpost; to forge a path as an integrated and independent regional player. And yet, our security ties are still largely structured by the bonds of colonial history. We see this play out in our deep defence cooperation with Commonwealth states in the region, with Australia’s own ex-colony, PNG, and indeed our former colonist; just last week the AUKUS deal was criticised by some as a retreat to the Anglosphere. All this is compounded by the colonial attitudes that many argue still pervade our regional engagement. Too often, our approach is paternalistic, treating our neighbours as passive pawns, sources of instability, or problems to be managed. What, then, is the way forward? How can we build more equitable partnerships, based on mutual trust and respect? How can we establish credibility as an independent player, and seek security with our neighbours, not from them? In short, how can Australia decolonise its security ties?

Emcee: Cassie Sneikus

Panellists: Dr George Carter, James Blackwell, Dr Tess Newton Cain, Dr Nasya Bahfen and Sonia Arakkal