| Summary: | In October 2013, the Australian Government announced the establishment of a 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan. While the Antarctic may not classify as a strategic priority, the plan reflects the region’s ongoing importance to Australian national interests. For over 75 years, Antarctic affairs have existed as a status quo arrangement preserved by the Antarctic Treaty. This Treaty has forwarded scientific cooperation as an effective mechanism towards regional stability, while preventing challenges to Australia’s claim to the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT). However the changing international order presents a threat to this status quo. China leads a growing number of emerging powers that are investing in Antarctic capabilities and research. While such activity should be welcomed as a means of strengthening Antarctic governance through inclusiveness, Australia must be vigilant as to how this changing strategic reality impacts its own role and priorities in the region. This report analyses the importance of both the AAT and the current Antarctic status quo to Australian national interests. As global factors increasingly impact the region, a strong and sustained Australian Antarctic presence is critical to maintaining these interests. However the reality is that other nations are beginning to outpace Australian investment. When viewed in comparison to China’s growing Antarctic presence, Australia appears in very real danger of losing its leadership status. Continued underinvestment could impact Australia’s diplomatic standing in Antarctic affairs and potentially threaten the viability of its Antarctic claim. This report makes recommendations for capability and infrastructure investment in Antarctica, and outlines the role that an Antarctic Ambassador could play in enhancing Australia’s engagement in the region. It also makes a case for the continued development of Hobart as an international hub for Antarctic activity. This could potentially attract investment from nations such as the United States and facilitate international collaboration on key research projects, thereby strengthening Australia’s role as an Antarctic leader.
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