Turning King Canute into Lord Neptune: Australia's New Offshore Protection Measures

Abstract

A small vessel in Australia's northern approaches today could be any one of a number of things. It could be a terrorist vessel with a radiological bomb seeking to attack a US warship in Darwin harbour. It might also have the aim of creating as many civilian casualties as possible in the attack. Instead, it could be intent on attacking an offshore installation in the Timor Sea. Much more likely, the vessel could be engaged in illegal fishing for shark fin. Alternatively, it could be smuggling people or drugs. It could also possibly be smuggling weapons or wildlife. In any of these cases, the vessel could be carrying diseases or pests which Australia is trying to keep out. It is also equally likely that the vessel is innocent and poses none of the threats suggested.