A Sydney headquarters keeps theater command ashore

A Sydney-based commander in chief would remain ashore above the fleet commander. Losing an admiral at sea would therefore not erase theater leadership or trigger an improvised redistribution of authority. A standing staff could designate successors, manage politicians, and coordinate British and American concentration as forces fell back or advanced toward Australia. The arrangement would also support submarines and other Allied forces operating from a common base. The advantage is institutional, while Sydney itself would remain vulnerable to Japanese attack.