‘A Country Girt by Sea’: An Overview of Australian Maritime Exploration and Policy Drivers

Abstract

Australia’s maritime policy is predominantly focused on ensuring regional security of trade and borders. Although initially discovered in the early seventeenth century by Dutch traders, it was British explorers in the late eighteenth century who saw the potential of the land’s resources, established settlements and claimed the land for the British Government. Exploration and settlement continued through the next 200 years with civil and military imperatives driving maritime policy. In the modern era, maritime policy continues to encompass both aspects.

There are dual national aims of assisting with civil trade while also ensuring a secure and stable region through military capability. In the maritime environment a diverse range of capabilities are required to meet the Defence Strategic Objectives along with the provision of maritime services to deliver navigational safety and enable tactical advantage. An increasing role for submarines as part of naval capability means that hydrographic services also now support submarine operations by providing oceanographic environmental data to enhance the effectiveness of these vessels. A refocus of national marine geospatial collection activities will be needed to ensure that adequate sourcing of relevant environmental data to support the national maritime policy aims is achieved.

Disclaimer

The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of the Department of Defence. The Commonwealth of Australia will not be legally responsible in contract, tort or otherwise, for any statement made in this paper.