Defence invests in UniWA Indo-Pacific think-tank

Australia’s understanding of defence and security issues in the Indo-Pacific is getting a boost through an investment in a new university program in Perth.

FILE PHOTO (May 2019): HMAS Toowoomba, HMAS Collins, USS William P. Lawrence, French ships Charles de Gaulle, Provence, Forbin, Latouche-Tréville, Marne and JFDF ships Izumo and Murasame in the Bay of Bengal during Exercise La Perouse 2019. Photo by Clarisse Dupont, Service d’Information et de Rela.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said a grant awarded to the University of Western Australia would broaden and deepen the national debate.

“The University of Western Australia’s new Defence and Security Program is leveraging local expertise on issues such as defence industry, maritime security and the Indian Ocean,” Minister Reynolds said.

“I congratulate Professor Peter Dean on his selection as the inaugural head of the program.

“He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, as one of Australia’s premier experts on Indo-Pacific security.”

Defence is providing $1.3 million to the University of Western Australia over four years to establish the new program.

The university will collaborate with the state government, industry, academia and Defence to research and analyse national security issues in a rapidly changing strategic environment.

Minister Reynolds said Defence supported independent research to inform its strategic policy advice to government and to enhance the public debate on national security issues through its annual, open and competitive Strategic Policy Grants Program.

“Defence is funding 24 activities through the 2020 round of the program, representing around $6.2 million in funding through the 2022-23 financial year.”

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