If confronted by the need to make a split-second decision, the Australian personnel in the region will not have time to sit back and ponder how to respond.
Australia’s security has been tied to the US since World War II and remains so. The AUKUS program which has placed our sailors in US facilities is a key part of that.
Should the unthinkable happen and Australia come under direct military threat, it is a sure bet that it will not be a middle power that Australia turns to for help.
The Treasurer has had plenty of time to rehearse his lines, but he should really study up on history and remember the old principle of saving for a rainy day.
Rather than busting a gut to create the impression it is hands-off about the whole affair the Albanese Government should have the guts to stand up and fully explain what is going on.