Declining Patriotism Putting Australia’s Defence At Risk

MEDIA RELEASE

A key veteran national defence and security committee has said that the declining sense of patriotism in Australia is putting the defence of the nation at risk. 

In a paper prepared by the Returned & Services League of Australia’s (RSL) Defence and National Security Committee contends that this reduction in national pride has impacted on Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruitment and service retention in our armed forces. 

Committee Chair and former Chief of the Australian Army, Lt General Peter Leahy (Retd) says within the current ADF strength of around 58,000 there are significant personnel shortages across all elements of the force and at most levels of rank, seniority and skill, apart from generals and equivalents. 

“To resolve the situation, the Australian Government has approved an ambitious workforce plan to increase the Defence workforce by 18,500 to more than 101,000 by 2040.  That means recruitment needs to lift from approximately 5,500 annually to 9,000 a year and permanent ADF service retention increased from around seven years to around 12 years.   

“These targets will be very hard to achieve,” he said. 

“Australia’s defence is already at risk due to delays in acquiring the capabilities needed to meet the clear and present danger. Now a failure to meet new recruiting and retention targets for the ADF may further jeopardise our security. 

“What if we have a war and the equipment isn’t there and there aren’t enough motivated and trained people in uniform?” 

Peter Leahy says there is something else at play here, describing the biggest issue about who will fight for Australia is a decline in national pride and a dilution of an Australian identity and culture. 

“Surveys such as the Scanlon 2023 Social Cohesion Report identified a declining sense of pride and belonging in Australia. It also reported a declining trust in government and an increasing concern for equality. 

“Let’s be old fashioned and call this loyalty to Australia, a commitment to serving the nation and a sense of patriotism. Military service is about purpose, values and loyalty.  It is about service and sacrifice and contributing to something bigger than yourself.  

“The decline in national pride is not surprising as some seek to denigrate the ADF and the notion of service to the nation, perhaps evidenced by the active debate about the legitimacy of Australia Day.  

“What is our sense of being Australian if it is not about being part of a team and committing to the group and contributing to something bigger than yourself?” 

Peter Leahy says Australia’s future security will depend on our ability to have the right equipment and the right people at the right time.  At present both are at risk. 

“As well as improving the mechanics of recruiting, the more important task is to restore a sense of pride and belonging in Australia and a desire to serve the nation.   

“This is perhaps the most important job for the government, and it needs to get to work,” he said.