Australia has had longstanding interests in Antarctica – a place noted as being of “close and immediate concern” (Casey 1959), and science has long been a factor driving Australia’s engagement in Antarctica. Douglas Mawson is synonymous with Australia’s involvement in Antarctica, and the 1947 establishment of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions cemented the Australian Government’s institutionalisation of science in Australia’s Antarctic pursuits.

Today, this engagement is promoted as being ‘in Australia’s national interest’, and science remains a focus for Australia’s diplomatic efforts in maintaining the Antarctic Treaty System and its unique governance. However, with the current geopolitical pressures and resource constraints, is science still the currency, and critically what does Australia need to do to ensure continuing opportunity for influence and persuasion in the Antarctic Treaty System in the national interest.

Drawing on analyses of Australia’s submissions to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, Australian Government documents and interviews with experienced Antarctic operatives, this talk will outline how Australia has developed its Antarctic science currency, and how it is being used to influence international policy making. It will also consider if Australia is still building science currency, is it still sufficient, or what else is needed to maintain influence and persuasion within the Antarctic Treaty System.