The Executive Power During a Conflict in the 21st Century

I’ve heard it said that Australia is facing its most serious strategic threat since 1942. Given the range and power of modern weaponry, it may actually be the most serious threat since 1788. It is also the case that Australia has never been able to defend itself and has always relied upon a more powerful ally, whether Britain or the United States. The only forceful military operation led by Australia was the intervention in East Timor in 1999.