2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER THREE: AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE STRATEGY
SECTION ONE STRATEGY
3.28 While Australia has sophisticated and growing military capabilities,
Australia does not have the capacity to unilaterally protect and further
our interests in maintaining a rules-based global order. Our current
military contribution to the multinational United States-led Combined
Maritime Forces in the Middle East region, targeting terrorism, piracy
and drug smuggling, is an example of how we can address security
threats to Australia by working with other like-minded partners. The
ADF will continue to play an important role in coalition operations
where Australia’s Strategic Defence Interests are engaged including our
role in international efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass
destruction.
3.29 Australia will continue contributing to coalition operations with
like-minded countries to combat terrorism. Our Special Forces, Air
Task Group and Building Partner Capacity training mission will continue
their role in the international coalition to defeat Daesh, with progress to
be regularly reviewed. Future contributions to combat terrorism could
draw on a range of defence capabilities, including combat capabilities,
command, intelligence, communications or logistics.
3.30 Within the Indo-Pacific, future operations could include contributing
to security in North Asia and helping to protect the extensive sea lines
of communication that support Australian trade where our interests are
sufficiently engaged. Australia will make important contributions to the
provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at short notice in
the Indo-Pacific region or further afield when required.
3.31 Australia remains one of the most active supporters of the United
Nations and Defence will continue to make tailored contributions
to United Nations operations in the future where it is in Australia’s
interest to do so. In addition to possible contributions to peacekeeping
operations, Defence will continue working with the United Nations
to build its capacity to lead international efforts to respond to global