2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER FIVE: POSITIONING DEFENCE FOR TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES
others, bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally. Defence’s international
engagement – its physical footprint overseas and pattern of collaborative
activities such as joint exercises and training – is an integral component
of Defence’s posture. Defence’s international engagement also
contributes significantly to Australia’s strategic weight – our perceived
global standing and our ability to exert influence in pursuit of our
interests. Our strategic weight is also built on our economic and trade
links with other countries, our diplomatic ties around the world and our
extensive network of other government-to-government linkages such as
law enforcement.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
5.6 Defence’s international engagement builds the relationships and
cooperation which Australia requires to contribute to a more stable
and secure international environment and to respond to strategic
risk. Effective international engagement maximises the effectiveness
of our contributions to coalition operations, including in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Defence’s international engagement will continue to be
closely coordinated with other government agencies, especially the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which support the development
of Australia’s strategic weight.
5.7 Defence will increase its investment in international engagement over
the next 20 years to build cooperation with key partners and improve the
coordination of responses to shared challenges such as terrorism and
humanitarian disasters and help reduce the risk of military confrontation.
International engagement will become an integrated core function
across the entire Defence portfolio, aligned with the Strategic Defence
Objectives.
5.8 The Government will increase investment in the Defence Cooperation
Program to build confidence and the capacity of countries in the
Indo-Pacific region to contribute to our collective security, including
by doubling the training Defence provides in Australia for international
military students over the next 15 years.