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The Importance of Constabulary Operations
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The constabulary presence of the ADF in an international police / peacekeeping role in
another country so close to home is paramount. Military presence acts as a deterrent
and reduces the potential for would-be terrorists to gain sympathy from the local
population who could easily be manipulated and corrupted with terrorist ideology.
The Australian Maritime Doctrine’s definition of constabulary operations does not
cover terrorism and is considered to be out of date. The carnage, death and destruction
caused by terrorists in New York on 11 September 2001, Bali in 2002, and the attack
on USS Cole, clearly reflect that our maritime forces as well as other members of the
ADF and the AFP should have the same resolve as terrorists, that is, dispense extreme
prejudice.
If a ship is in Australian waters, that is, within the 200 nautical mile EEZ, and is
suspected of carrying terrorists, or if terrorists have hijacked a ship with intent to
enter an Australian port, then lethal force should be used to neutralise the threat. If
the navy is not allowed to show positive aggression, then perhaps the formation of a
coastguard is another option.
Coastguard
Many would argue that another way of combating and meeting the terrorist challenge
head-on is introducing a coastguard.
On paper, many of the new initiatives contained in the 2006/07 Federal
budget appear designed to progressively evolve Australian Customs Service
(ACS) more towards the US ‘Coast Guard’ model. 21
The US Coast Guard works very well in the USA, so well that they are
embarking on building two new types of maritime security ships as part
of its Integrated Deepwater Project. 22
This proposal is not new. The Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Mr Kim Beazley, said
last year in a press release:
We need reform to improve our maritime security capability. The only
practical solution to this mess is Labor’s plan for a Coastguard. 23
The word coastguard sends out the positive connotation that they are the professionals
when it comes to interdiction, boarding ships, conducting maritime searches and
constabulary duties.
There is no doubt that due to the length and remote areas of coastline, Australia’s
border protection is lacking and credence could be given to bringing Coastwatch
and Customs under the auspices of the Coastguard, thus freeing up RAN ships and
personnel-intensive crews.