What book are you reading right now?

This translates from Bahasa Indonesian as “books, books, lots and lots of books”.

Over the years, I have read many books. But there is one book a Quarterly Essay I have read and keep reading over and over in my mind. It raises a constant concern with me and I am caused to wonder HOW SECURE IS DARWIN?

That essay, written by Professor High Wright is titled “Sleepwalk to War”.

There was a headline in the online edition of ‘The Weekend Australian ’ for October 28 and 29. It read, “Northern exposure leaves residents searching for safety.” It is a comment on those left in Northern Gaza and what is unfolding as Israel launches a land blitz into the area.

In time – and possibly in the not-too-distant future – northern exposure will leave residents of Darwin, Palmerston and the Top End of the NT searching for safety.

I believe we are in increasingly uncertain times. As Professor Hugh White suggests, we could be ‘Sleepwalking to War’. And if war comes, we, as Australia’s northernmost city with its ever-increasing focus on military personnel and facilities build-up, will be the first port of call in the event of hostilities.

It happened in 1942. It could happen again.

White’s writing raises constant food for thought.