Delivering on our commitment to keep Australians safe

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitments across the Defence portfolio, which will keep Australia safe.

Under the Albanese Government, defence funding will rise to over 2 per cent of GDP over the forward estimates – the highest level in decades.

New measures in the 2022-23 Budget prioritise valuable partnerships with Australia’s Pacific neighbours and delivers targeted investments in climate security, defence force capability and grants for our regions and communities, which make significant contributions to our Defence community.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to deepening engagement with Australia’s Pacific neighbours by establishing a new Australia Pacific Defence School to train Pacific Island countries’ defence and security forces.

In addition to the $270 billion investment in Defence’s capability over the decade to 2029-30, the Albanese Government is focused on investing in Defence’s strategic priorities, capability and sustainability, including:

• $5.1 million for research and development of biofuels to support renewable fuel production in Australia; and
• $32.2 million for the North Queensland Spark Training Facility, delivering high quality simulating training opportunities for the Australian Defence Force, in collaboration with industry in Townsville.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:

“The 2022-23 Budget delivers on our election commitments and reinforces Defence’s readiness and capability to support our nation and promote stability and prosperity in our region.

“As we face the most challenging geopolitical circumstances since the Second World War, the Albanese Government is committed to properly managing every dollar of defence spending, and ensuring Defence can deliver the capabilities ADF personnel need, when they need them.

“This is in stark contrast to the decade of wasteful mismanagement by the former Coalition government.

“The 2022-23 Budget will strengthen our regional partnerships and build our shared resilience to meet future challenges, delivering the capability needed to keep Australians safe.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:

“Establishment of the new Australia Pacific Defence School recognises education as a priority. It also acknowledges our Defence personnel, in Australia and across our region, as our first and most valuable asset.”

“The Government remains focused on Australia’s future defence capability.”

“Our investment in defence capability acquisition will ensure the Defence mission, to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance national security and prosperity, is realised.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon. Matt Keogh MP:

“Our greatest defence capability is our people and this Budget delivers on the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering a better future for defence personnel, veterans and their families.

“We are committed to growing our ADF, with a new recruitment partner and the implementation of improved conditions for personnel in order to enhance retention.

“Implementing the recommendations of the Interim Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, development of a Veterans Employment Strategy and improvements to transition support will also set up our defence personnel for success as they re-join civilian life.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP:

“The Townsville simulation facility and defence industry precinct in Townsville will support our regional communities and provide employment into the future.”

“The Government’s targeted investment in biofuel production has the ability to lower emissions, enhance regional growth, provide additional income streams for farmers, enhance energy resilience and reduce waste.”