Strategy, Policy and Institutions Time for a Re-Think

18 August 2008

Allan Behm

Australian security policy is increasingly irrelevant to the looming realities of the 21st century.  A lack of strategic direction, a mish-mash of unconnected policies, and policy institutions that are irrelevant to the security challenges of 2050 - these are critical obstacles to a consistent, credible and effective approach to national security. Our very concept of "security" is outmoded.  The solution is as easy as it is radical.  It demands three straightforward steps.  First, invest in the capacity of the public service to provide strategic advice.  Second, ensure that the policy elements that give expression to strategy are properly coordinated.  And third, reorganise the national security policy enterprise by demolishing the departmental silos and the artificial barriers between the security policy departments. The first Rudd Government is in a unique political and historical position to achieve this.

Broad Topics: Arts and Social Sciences

Sub-topics: Policy & Political Science

Areas: ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

Allan Behm writes on strategic, security and defence issues, and is a frequent commentator in the national and international media.  He is a director of three advising groups: Knowledge Pond Pty Ltd, an international team that advises on strategic and political risk; Regional Economic Development Associates Pty Ltd, developing investment strategies for financial institutions in regional Australia; and Value-Creating Policy Services Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based group that provides professional development services to senior policy advisors.  He has worked at senior levels in the Australian Public Service, specifically in DFAT, PM&C, Defence and Attorney-General's, where he had responsibility for key areas of national security and law enforcement policy.