Security challenges of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Australia's Antarctic interests.

The Antarctic Treaty has significant strategic and security interests for Australia. Australia claims 42 per cent of the continent, and the Antarctic Treaty established the area below 60o S as a non-militarised region where military manoeuvres, weapons testing and nuclear explosions are prohibited. The benefits to Australia of maintaining the strength of the Antarctic Treaty System are manifold. This paper sets out the importance to Australia of the Antarctic Treaty System; Australia's Antarctic activities; and current geopolitical tensions in the system. It argues that Australia should continue to invest practical and diplomatic efforts to secure its Antarctic interests and the strength of the System into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]