No benign strategic environment near Australia

John Howard it seems does not agree with Helen that we live in a benign strategic environment.

He has just announced a massive increase in the Australian Army from six to eight battalions.

The Australian Defence Force will increase to 55,000 and have a budget of A$20 billion.

Howard has also announced funding for an extra 422 Police to work overseas, bringing that total to 1,200.

Sure seems to be a lot of work to be done in such a strategic benign neighbourhood.