Australia needs a coast guard

Australia has no coast guard? The Australian navy is doing the coast guard job?

The coastline of Australia is a mere 25,760 kilometers (or the sixth longest in the world).

"Australia should establish a coast guard to counter China’s use of grey zone tactics in expanding its territorial claims in the South China Sea. China is using its coast guard, along with civilian vessels and fishing boats, to impose its presence, so Australia and its regional partners should respond in kind. ...

Whether or not Australia needs a coast guard is a recurring question in national security circles. Experts point to the lack of resources within the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to defend Australia’s coast, support allies and protect national interests abroad. A coast guard would reduce the navy’s responsibilities by taking the lead on local constabulary and border protection operations, freeing up the RAN to focus on the business of warfighting. ..."

Australia needs a coast guard to fight and win in the grey zone | The Strategist