Australian National Security Policymaking Processes - Case Study Example

This paper discusses the strategic framework that drives the development of policies in Australia within the various departments that have national security responsibilities. Hence, it is an essential part of the policymaking process. This is because it is a context for the development of the Defense white paper, which gives details of the way forward for Australia’s defense for two decades (Australian Government 2008, 3). Policymaking processes in developed countries have been under scrutiny for years, and Australia is no exception.

In 1999, Al Gore – who is reputed as the prince of policy – claimed that bureaucracies of the Industrial Age have gone beyond professional classes that they were thought to be, and are riddled with issues such as apathy, immobility, as well as lacking freedom and leadership to change with the times (Curtain 2000, 33-46). In his arguments, Al Gore suggests that public policy is about showing leadership qualities, as well as being able to change with circumstances. This, among other measures, can be used in rating how Australia measures up in its abilities of policymaking.

This paper seeks to highlight lessons and warnings that Australian national security-making processes can draw from comparable processes in other nations, such as Singapore, New Zealand, Singapore, or the United Kingdom. Before embarking on highlighting the warnings and lessons that can be learned, it is essential to identify the key elements of national security policymaking processes in the Australian context. Making decisions that relate to national security is essential to the management of all national security issues in Australia (Whittaker and others 2011, 24-60).

When the president meets with visiting heads of state or makes policy statements, all these have to be planned and carefully executed in order to conform to policies that govern national security. Preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention have been a consistent part of Australian foreign defense policies for years. Recent efforts have dwelled on emphasizing conflict prevention. This effort was documented in the first National Security Statement in Australia, in December of 2008.