National Security

The focus of my blog this week is Australia and the implementation of their first national security strategy. As acts of terrorism and nuclear weapons, particularly in the Asian regions, become more prevalent the Australian government feel the need to up their protection. They want to focus their strategy on three areas which are, effective partnerships, cyber security and enhanced regional engagement. These will cater to risks that are presenting themselves these days such espionage and coercion. The Prime Minister states that "Australia is an attractive target for a range of malicious cyber actors, from politically-motivated hackers and criminal networks to nation states". Prime Minister Gillard feels that in order for Australia to grow it must be in a "climate of relative peace and stability" and these implementations will secure Australians a chance to create and maintain a that kind of climate.

I feel that National Security is a very important social issue. It is a social issue because it affects a nation, as in the title itself. A government is responsible for keep its citizens safe from harm. Australia may be relatively late compared to other countries but they are now viewing international threats as top priority. This social issue also relate to families on a broad perspective. Many Australian families may have only look at weapons of mass destruction, terrorist attacks and espionage as I may look at genocide and malaria... Issues that are unfortunate but not necessarily a threat to me. Now that the nation is making a stand against these and identifying  them as threats there could be a shift in family life. Socializtion of children could change as in the US we are somewhat socialized to be weary of suspicious people in airports, not to use the term bomb freely etc. These are examples of ways this issue of heightened National Security is a social issue that can affect the families of Australia.  

http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-01/23/content_16164195.htm