THE WHITE PAPER AND DARWIN

The Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence released the most comprehensive Defence White Paper ever produced by an Australian Government on 2 May 2009.

The new White Paper affirms the Rudd Government’s commitment to the defence of Australia, the security and stability of the regional security environment, and a rules-based global security order.

The primary outcome of the White Paper is to build a future force required for the defence of Australia and the security of the immediate region. 

This is a White Paper that delivers a comprehensive and balanced Australian Defence Force.  There is a significant concentration of Australian Defence Force assets in the Darwin region and this is recognised in the White Paper.

Darwin is, and will continue to be, of significant strategic importance to Defence.  It is one of two primary locations for mounting ADF operations, and will be essential for the loading and offloading of the Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock ships when they enter service from 2014.

“To maximise the effectiveness of Navy’s new amphibious capability, it is essential to enhance existing port facilities ahead of the introduction into service of these ships,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Darwin Port Corporation is planning to further develop East Arm Port, as part of the Northern Territory Government’s East Arm Wharf Master Plan.  The Darwin Port Corporation is considering two site options for the provision of a hardened boat ramp facility at East Arm Port.

While the location of the boat ramp has yet to be finalised, Darwin Port Corporation has provided its agreement, in principle, to such a facility being constructed to meet Defence and commercial user requirements.

Defence is working closely with the Darwin Port Corporation and the Northern Territory Government regarding the Defence contribution towards this proposal.

The Government will fund provision of the hardened boat ramp.  However, as commercial users may also utilise this facility a joint venture with the Darwin Port Corporation is being pursued.

Over the next 20 years, the Navy will be significantly enhanced.  This enhancement includes 20 new Offshore Combatant Vessels equipped with modular mission systems that will incorporate the capabilities presently provided by the separate patrol boat, hydrographic and mine hunter fleets.  Darwin is expected to feature in the delivery of these vessels.

The new Army force structure will enable our soldiers to operate as combined-arms teams.  Of note for the Army in Darwin, the new Combat Vehicle System will provide around 1,100 vehicles with greatly improved firepower, protection and mobility.  There will also be around 7,000 new support vehicles to completely replace the various fleets of wheeled transport and logistic support vehicles. 

Linking in with the Navy and Army, the Air Force will assist in providing the strength to protect and defend our maritime and air approaches.  Through the combination of skilled people, new highly capable aircraft and weapons, the Air Force will continue to offer the Government air superiority, maritime strike, long-range strategic strike, offensive air support and close air support capability options.

“This is a necessary White Paper that brings with it essential reforms of how Defence is managed to deliver the Defence Force Australia needs and deserves,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):             02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                                           02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664