The Howard Government will provide more money in the Budget to continue to build a stronger, more potent Australian Defence Force able to meet a variety of demands over both the long and short term.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said Defence would get an extra $1.8 billion in new budget measures over the next four years, increasing Defence’s budget to $16.35 billion in 2004-05.
"The ADF’s operational tempo is the highest since Vietnam and the strategic environment is far more complex," Senator Hill said.
"As well as our commitments to operations in Iraq, East Timor and the Solomons, we have to be prepared for the uncertainty driven by the proponents of terrorism.
"The 2004-05 Budget underlines the Government’s unprecedented commitment to Australia’s defence and national security with new spending on security initiatives, logistics and ADF personnel and family-focused initiatives."
Key Budget initiatives include:
- Supplementation of $313.9 million to support ADF operations around the globe. This includes an additional $131.6 million over three years to ensure the ADF can continue its important contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq beyond the planned hand over to the new Iraqi Government in June, an extra $20.1 million over two years for a continued ADF presence in East Timor and $16 million to continue border protection operations.
- $326 million to buy an extra two Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, equipping Australia with a fleet of six of the leading edge air and maritime surveillance aircraft.
- An extra $54.5 million over four years to enhance Defence’s counter-terrorism capabilities, including more money for intelligence and increased regional counter-terrorism cooperation.
- Funding of $13.0 million over three years for Defence to provide security support for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
- An extra $815.6 million over four years in logistics support for a range of key ADF platforms and equipment, including a range of enhanced maintenance work, refits and upgrades.
- A $356.5 million package to provide high quality on-base accommodation, facilities and support and off-base rent assistance for single service men and women.
- $300 million over three years from 2005-06 to meet the increasing cost of maintaining Defence facilities such as base infrastructure, airfields and fuel farms.
Senator Hill said the 2004-05 Budget continued the Howard Government’s commitment to provide the necessary leadership and funding for a strong Defence force capable of succeeding across a range of missions critical to our national interest.
"There has been no higher priority for the Howard Government than Defence in a time of great uncertainty," Senator Hill said.
"This package of initiatives continues to tackle the strategic challenges Australia faces internationally, while ensuring that we also take care of things on the home front.
"Not only are we ensuring the ADF’s platforms and equipment are reliable, well maintained and capable for operations, but we are also providing accommodation and services for ADF personnel that meet the high standards the community expects."
