Budget 2005 - 2006
BUDGET 2005-06
BUDGET FOR DEFENCE OPERATIONS
The 2005-06 Defence Budget underlines the Howard Government determination to provide Defence with the resources to meet its operational commitments.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Budget sets aside more money to support key operations, such as Australia's commitment to the rebuilding and reconstruction operation in Iraq, humanitarian assistance provided to Indonesia and the whole of government border protection initiatives.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is now engaged in more than 13 concurrent military operations at home and abroad ranging from border protection, United Nations peacekeeping and regional assistance missions.
In addition to the $776.3 million already approved for Operation CATALYST, the Budget provides an additional $466.1 million, which includes:
- $240.0 million over four financial years for the 12 month deployment of the Al Muthanna Task Group (including $24.8 million in 2004-05);
- $205.3 million over two financial years for continuation of the other elements of the operation throughout 2005-06; and
- $20.8 million for additional costs incurred in 2004-05 for Operation CATALYST.
"Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to the Multinational Force to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programmes.
"Defence will receive additional funding of $20.8 million for additional costs incurred in 2004-05 for Operation CATALYST. $11.3 million of this is for the Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), ensuring the availability of well-protected vehicles for our troops," Senator Hill said.
The Al Muthanna Task Group is currently deployed with ASLAVs and the new Bushmaster vehicles, and will train Iraqi forces as well as provide security for Japanese troops involved in humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
Funding of $11.0 million has been provided for 2005-06 to remediate and replace supplies used as part of the humanitarian assistance provided to Indonesia following the devastation caused by the recent Tsunami and earthquake. This is in addition to $50.9 million already approved for Operation Sumatra Assist.
"Overall the ADF's contribution in Indonesia included three RAAF transport aircraft, aviation support crews, Army medical personnel, logistic specialists and the support of HMAS Kanimbla," Senator Hill said.
"Assistance in Nias will now progress to a repair and reconstruction phase. Australian assistance will continue to be provided through our civilian agencies."
Defence will receive $16.4 million funding for a further 12 months to continue its commitment to provide coastal surveillance of Australia's northern approaches as part of Operation RELEX II.
"The funding for this important whole-of-government response to unauthorised vessels entering Australian waters and offshore territories is additional to $16.0 million provided in last year's Budget," Senator Hill said.
"The ADF provides frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, patrol boats and security elements to this successful protection and surveillance mission, which work with Coastwatch and Customs National Marine Unit. Since the inception of this program in 2001, there has been a significant reduction in unauthorised arrivals, with the last vessel seized in November 2003," Senator Hill said.
Senator Hill said the funding in the 2005-06 Budget demonstrated the critical need to maintain a flexible, mobile and prepared defence force capable of operating close to home and further afield.
"The broad range of missions demonstrate the complexity and uncertainty of the strategic environment in which we now live," Senator Hill said.
"Our defence personnel are extremely capable and well equipped to support operations in our region, as well as to deploy further afield to assist global efforts to combat terrorism and defeat the spread of weapons of mass destruction."
Media contacts:
Sascha Meldrum (Senator Hill) 02 6277 7800 0409 034 241
Defence Media Liaison 02 6265 3343 0408 498 664
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