There is an enduring, two-way strategic underpinning to Australia's interactions with Singapore, going beyond the recently agreed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Canberra is enhancing its economic access to Southeast Asia in return for granting Singapore greater access to military training areas in Australia. Yet Singapore's stock is also rising, for Australia, in the context of Southeast Asia's growing strategic profile.
The stark fact is that Australia needs Southeast Asia more than it needs Australia. As a fellow 'odd man out' in its region, Singapore may be the exception to this rule because of its defence interest in Australia as a source of strategic depth. The city state can also add strategic depth for Australia. Capabilities aside, the most important attributes to this partnership are non-material: a shared mindset and a willingness to commit for the long term.
Singapore troops are due to train in Queensland twice a year - instead of annually - with exercises from February to May and August to November.
"It is well known in Rockhampton that the Singapore army comes through," said Mr Fraser.
"We have a lot of restaurants and retail shops that get a huge uplift. It is an enormous opportunity for this to get bigger, to have the Singaporeans coming through and hopefully spending time and have their families spending time here - and hopefully spending money."
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