A Government's first duty is to ensure the sound defence of the nation.

          Recent Australian Governments have almost betrayed that trust by permitting a serious decline in the numbers and capabitity of our defence forces and of their support industries and resources.

          Accordingly, more than ever, we need reliable allies, especially with nearby countries all intent upon expanding their own armies and navies.

          Let's not forget that the people of the Falklands Islands, whilst proudly independent, had firmly held to their British ties.

          When Argentina attacked them in 1982, they were able to call for help.

          Though Britain had nothing to gain at all, her forces were sent half-way around the world to this small, bleak and resource-scarce land to effect a highly successful rescue operation.

          What madness for Australians, in these troubled times, to be rushed into a republic about which we have been given little information other than ways to control political dog-fights over the powers for and electing of successive Presidents.

          Becoming a republic would mean Britain would have no right or reason to be able to come to Australia's aid if needed.

          And just recently Britain was one of the first to support Australia's East Timor operations by despatching a warship with their famed British Gurkha troops.