In 1985 the Australian Labor Government commissioned Defence Academic Paul Dibb to conduct a review of Australia's Defence capabilities and requirements. Dibb produced a report in 1986 which was largely the basis of the 1987 White Paper, and focused on the Defence of Australia rather than the longstanding policy of 'Forward Defence', which was part of the reason Australia went to Vietnam.
WI someone else did the Defence Review and reached different conclusions? What other possibilities exist for Australia from the mid 80s, keeping largely within OTL budget and manning limits?