>>Should Australia start to depend on United States for its defences and other things, or should Australia be building up its independant strengths.

WITH WHAT!

We can't even properly care for our own pensioners, or ensure they have running water or air conditioning, unless of cause they go without most everything else. We can however come to the aid of every other 'swinging dick' out there, and I'm not referring to natural disasters.

Maybe we should have an american controlled zone in AU, AU defence spending paid to america. in return for our security. They could control and pay our soldiers etc. Park a couple of carriers in the area.
Our position in the asian world, must look very inviting

The population of China is about 1,357,022,986 but it keeps rising faster than I can type and I'm not using an old fashoned 'qwerty' keyboard.
Our population is some 22,585,260 plus a boatload or two today.

So learn mandarin.

Or be prepared to raise an Army of at least 10,000,000.

So learn mandarin.

Or be prepared to raise an Army of at least 10,000,000.
is Mise,

That's a more realistic appraisal of the situation as it stands.

national service, could serve more than have an armed reserve.

What we need is a huge militia of citizen soldiers and a rifle and ammunition in every home.