Post WWII the so called cornerstone of Australia's defense strategy has been the ANZUS Treaty signed in 1951. The treaty, alone with post war actions on Australia's part, particularly in wars in Korea, Vietnam. Iraq and Afghanistan where Australia paid a high price in support of US interest has lead us to believe we have some kind of special relationship with the United States. We still harbor the notion that come hell or high water America will always support Australia no matter what. This notion of course in 60 odd years has never been tested, so there is no justification other than a belief that it is the case. Rather than blindly supporting Australia, America is more likely to support their own interests first and foremost. Something that could prove to be at Australia's detriment, particularly in an armed conflict.
I think today, given the environment we operate in, Asia should be our focus. Building much closer relationships with this part of the world would serve Australia's interests far more that some 60 year old consultative treaty, which at the end of the day may prove not to be worth the paper it is written on.

If God existed there would be no wars and every nation could be neutral.
Even no need for such things as "countries".
It is idiots that think they are the messenger of their imaginary friend that want us to stick our heads in the sand and ignore the rest of the world.

Runner you spit the word Unionist out like it tastes bad.
But in doing so confirm you are not Christian.
I once was and gather my rebuttal of you from walking with true Christians
Don,nt suppose you ever joined a union?
Enjoy your bile.
My saintly friend no insult meant but start your thread we once talked about this issue more than most.
If God exists he is not doing a very good job

I don't believe that Oz could ever be a neutral country, even if we wished too ? Right down through history we've had predatory nations as well as passive nations.

Because we in Oz have an abundance of raw materials, minerals and precious metals, as well as tens of thousands of square kms. of pastoral land. All the declarations of our neutrality, in the world will not matter one iota, if some powerful nation wishes to avail themselves of them, with or without our consent.

I think it was FOXY who said we must first, be truly independent. And we do really need our powerful ally, the USA to protect us from just such a scenario as described above.

OSW, as you point out the resources, and in this case, land, would be
very tempting to a desperate country such as Egypt.
Now that seems right of the planet.
However countries like Saudi Arabia, who are financially supporting
Egypt, might see an expeditionary force across the Indian Ocean to be
the cheapest option as against supporting 40 million excess Egyptians.

They could even justify it by saying that Allah commanded them to invade to save the faithful and the infidel is to be destroyed.

' But in doing so confirm you are not Christian. '

thanks Belly I am just very pleased your judgement is often wrong and God gets last say.