Who Decides When Australia Goes to War?

Recent global events have triggered renewed interest in how the use of military force is authorised in democratic systems. Much of that attention is currently centred on the United States. But it also prompts questions closer to home about how well Australia’s own arrangements are understood.

So I’ve published a Substack article on who decides when Australia goes to war. It’s a question that deserves more attention. At the moment, decisions in Australia to commit military force sit primarily with the executive. Parliament may debate those decisions, but usually only after forces are already deployed.

This piece explores what that means for democratic consent, accountability and public trust. It isn’t about any one conflict or government. It’s about legitimacy, accountability, and whether Australia’s current arrangements are keeping pace with the world we’re entering.