I have been watching the rapid expansion of China's nuke capability recently . Anyone watching should be alarmed at this under reported story . Hundreds new nukes are being built . Silos are being constructed for advanced ICBMs (DF-41 ICBM with a 7,000 km range ;capable of carrying 10 warheads )
"These reports and other developments suggest that the PRC's nuclear arsenal will grow more quickly, and to a higher level than perhaps previously anticipated," according to State Department spokesman Ned Price
The Washington Post report cited commercial satellite images and analysis from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California.
It said the 119 nearly identical construction sites contained features that mirrored existing launch facilities for China’s existing arsenal of nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.
U.S. calls build-up of China's nuclear arsenal 'concerning' | Reuters
The only thing holding China back from it's aggressive foreign policies is the deterrence about surviving a US strike . If they can construct their own effective deterrence and they believe they can survive a US strike with the ability to retaliate then I believe the gloves will come off. .
Simply stated ;Australia is not capable of developing it's own system in the near term. Unless it was fast tracked ;on the basis of approval and construction times for reactors in other western countries ,taking in costs and environmental reviews ,it would take 20 years to establish such capabilities .Reactors, enrichment plants, missile technology and high-tech electronics manufacturing would be essential to have an independent weapon program capable of delivering missiles from a submarine and keeping them in a state of readiness. Your nation does not have even one power reactor (except for one that produces medical isotopes .)
But you do have the raw materials .Uranium is in abundant supply with Australia having a third of the world reserves . Years of being the miners for China has left you ill prepared for your ambition .