Australia¡¦s Region and Global Linkages
very large area for Australia to protect from unauthorized use.
The Australian government follows certain security policies to prevent defeat, the use of force against Australia and its interests. These policies centre on:
1. The cultivation of bilateral alliances (two-sided), links and friendships, which promote an international environment where the use of force is discouraged. This is for both the regional ¡V Asia-Pacific (P.N.G, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Malaysia) and globally ¡V the world (USA, UK).
2. The development of and ¡V where necessary ¡V the use of defence forces.
3. Strengthening multilateral (many-sided) security links in the region, especially the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Five Power Defence Arrangements (Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom).
Australian Defence Force funding totals A$18 billion per year. There are 51 500 permanent full-time Australia supports and many UN initiatives in multinational peacekeeping operations. Military personnel in the Australian Defence Force include members from the Army, Navy and Air force. Australia is also a member of the United Nations (UN) and a supporter of UN such as FAO, UNDP, UNCTAD, UNESCO and UNICEF. Australia supports the UN in its primary function of resting aggression around the world. This was seen for example, in the commitment of Australian naval forces to assist the UN during the Gulf War of 1990-91.
Australia¡¦s major defence links are in the Asia-Pacific region, but it also has strong links at a global level. The main regional links are associated with security and border control inside the region. Whereas, the main global links are associated with the United States. Our main strategic ally remains the United States and the close historical, political and investment links with Europe are also considered significant in terms of strategic alliances. The link with the United Kingdom is also strong.
The global and regional links and relationships that Australia developed during the twentieth century became critically important when the crisis in East Timor erupted in August 1999. The events would have a major impact on Australia¡¦s global links and role in the Asia-Pacific region.
Australia¡¦s role in the global community is concerned mainly with issues of peacekeeping, international security and disarmament, the environment, human rights, targeted development programs and technical agencies dealing with agriculture, refugees and international nuclear safeguards.
CONCLUSION
From the factual information presented above it is evident that while Australia has close regional linkages in the areas of trade and finance, tourism and defence, she is, nevertheless, pursuing a strategic coalition with global partners to protect and enforce the values and culture of the free world.