Ben Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, I present the committee's report entitled The strategic importance of Australia's Indian Ocean Territories, together with minutes of proceedings.

I have to say: without any hint of bias, we have some of the most spectacular coastlines along Western Australia.

It may be a common perception that Australia's western boundary is the beautiful coast of Western Australia.

In actual fact, the westernmost reaches of Australia are the boundaries created by the Indian Ocean Territories, that are closer to our Indonesian neighbours than they are to the Australian mainland.

Despite the distance, the small sun-drenched communities of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands remain uniquely Australian.

The deep connection of the local communities to their diverse ethnic and cultural heritage complements their Australian way of life.

As part of the inquiry, I was fortunate to join my committee colleagues meeting with local communities on Christmas Island, West Island and Home Island to see this beautiful corner of our nation.

While many Australians may associate the region as a key plank of Australia's defence and border protection activities, the committee's inquiry also highlighted vibrant communities, deeply committed to Australian values.

The present inquiry and report is quite different to those carried out previously by this committee.

While several previous inquiries have examined economic and governance issues in the Indian Ocean Territories, the purpose of our inquiry has been to take a step back and to consider these territories from a broader, strategic perspective.

In this process, the committee has affirmed that the recommendations of previous reports remain as relevant as ever.

The present inquiry reinforces and builds on the work of earlier committees.

This inquiry, referred by the Minister for Local Government and Territories in November last year, considered a number of issues.

The inquiry canvassed the changing regional security environment and security contingencies in the Indian Ocean region—home to growing economies and an important trade route for Australia. The region is witnessing growing competition among major powers and these rapidly expanding interests in the region require a deeper understanding of this dynamic strategic environment.

Heightened activity in the region brings both opportunities and challenges for Australia.

In hearing evidence, the committee concluded that Australia's Indian Ocean Territories play a vital role in Australia's engagement with the broader Indo-Pacific region, extending our strategic reach well beyond the Australian mainland.

We heard that this dynamic region is undergoing significant changes.

To ensure that the parliament continues to engage with the Indian Ocean Territories from a strategic perspective, the committee has been keen to ensure that this committee conducts a similar inquiry on a regular basis—and in our report we have suggested five years as an appropriate time frame.

The committee considered Australia's strategic infrastructure assets on the islands, particularly those that further Australia's defence capabilities. In particular, the upgrade of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport runway, and the development of medium- and long-term solutions for the Christmas Island Warf.

The committee's report also recognises the importance of continued and strengthened engagement with regional partners through bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional partners. Such operations will ensure Australia continues to contribute to broader regional stability.

Noting the strategic importance of the islands, the committee recommended that the Australian government consider extending these capabilities in the Indian Ocean Territories, potentially through activities including surveillance, naval patrols, a military reserve or cadet unit, and training exercises.

The committee recommended that, where possible, the Australian government and its agencies engage with the local community, businesses and suppliers of goods and services, considering proposals for funding and planning on the islands.

Through its inquiry, the committee had the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of stakeholders.

These included Australian government agencies and analysts with a deep understanding of the defence and strategic considerations that underpin Australia's commitment to the Indian Ocean Territories.

On behalf of the committee, I thank all organisations and individuals who contributed to the inquiry by making written submissions or appearing at our hearings and roundtable discussions.

I wish to also thank my committee colleagues, who in engaging with the inquiry brought a range of perspectives and experiences to the report and the inquiry process more broadly.

In particular, I would like to thank the member for Berowra and Senator McCarthy who also took part in the committee's visit to the Indian Ocean Territories.

Finally, the committee thanks the residents of the Indian Ocean Territories who provided an important local perspective to this inquiry.

Their warm hospitality and candour provided the committee with a vital understanding of the region along with the challenges and opportunities that it presents.

The committee has a renewed understanding of the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Territories, which we convey to the parliament and to the Australian government through this report.

I commend the report to the House.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

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