Australia’s ongoing commitments to Defence operations in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East, Solomon Islands, and East Timor, will continue with a budget allocation of $1.9 billion in 2011-12.
This includes:
Total funding of $1.2 billion is committed to operations in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East.
Defence will continue to mentor and train the Afghan National Security Forces in Uruzgan to enable a transition to longer-term capacity building for the Afghan authorities and institutions. In recent months we have seen some success with Afghan-led partnered operations in Uruzgan province.
The Australian Government has allocated $160.2 million for its Defence commitment to East Timor to continue the two countries’ mutual commitment to regional security and stability.
East Timor is gradually transferring full security responsibility to the East Timorese authorities. Defence will continue to build its cooperation and capacity-building to support the development of the East Timorese military.
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands will continue to be supported with an allocation of $43.5 million.
Australia’s ongoing commitment is critical to combating international terrorism and bringing peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan. Furthermore, building stability in our own region through cooperation with East Timor and Solomon Islands is essential and can only be achieved through investment in Defence operations.
For more information and access to the Portfolio Budget Statement go to http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/11-12/index.htm
