Former ADF chief calls for release of secret report into security threat posed by climate crisis

A former Australian defence force chief has called on the government to release its assessment of the security threats posed by the climate crisis, which he says they received late last year.

This means the government would have to decide whether, and how, the assessment is released publicly.

Barrie, an executive member of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group, said he had been told the ONI-led assessment of external climate risks was completed in November or December. Ordering such an assessment had been a Labor election promise.

Australia may also be asked to respond to crises in Pacific island countries and south-east Asia.

The climate risk assessment is separate from the defence strategic review, which was led by the former defence chief Angus Houston and former defence minister Stephen Smith.

In an interview with Guardian Australia in January, Marles acknowledged climate change would affect the shape of the defence force.