It is not warmongering to discuss how a changing world may affect Australia’s way of life, just as it did during World War II. It is prudent and responsible to have a national conversation about how we prepare for the changes outlined in Australia’s National Defence Strategy. And that preparation must include a clear-eyed discussion about defence spending.

We are repeatedly told by politicians on both sides that Australia faces its most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War. They are right. In plain speaking, this means that the potential risk of conflict, or a major military crisis short of it, is rising. And with it, the likelihood that our ADF women and men may once again be called on to put their lives on the line for the nation.

Former RSL president Major General Greg Melick speaks at the Australian War Memorial on Remembrance Day.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

It is in this context that outgoing RSL president Major General Greg Melick (retired) called on the government to increase defence spending during his Remembrance Day speech.

Former prime minister

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