BUDGET 2008-09

$650 MILLION COMMITTED TO ARMY’S NEW INFANTRY BATTALIONS

The Rudd Labor Government will continue to establish two new Army battalions, increasing the size of the Australian Defence Force by approximately 3,000 members, Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, said today.

The Government will commit $650 million to the Enhanced Land Force initiative in 2008-09.

“The initiative will create a stronger, modern, versatile and adaptable Army of 11 battle-groups able to operate independently,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Enhanced Land Force initiative will include:

·         accelerating the re-establishment of a second mechanised battalion, 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR) that was announced under the Hardened Networked Army initiative.  The second mechanised battalion will be relocated from Darwin to Adelaide;

·         the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), which will be converted from a parachute battalion to a light infantry battalion and will relocate from Sydney to Townsville;

·         re-raising of 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR), as a motorised infantry battalion in South East Queensland;

·         increasing the Army’s capability by raising additional combat support and combat service support;

·         expanding the Air Force’s expeditionary airfield capabilities to support the increased Army; and

·         purchasing ships capable of supporting the increased Army to reinforce stabilisation or humanitarian operations.

“Our predecessors committed to establishing two new infantry battalions without making adequate funding available,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Despite the former government’s shortfall, the Rudd Government is absolutely committed to delivering the two battalions.

“The Enhanced Land Force will boost Australia’s capacity to meet future regional and global security challenges,” 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