Budget Priorities Strong Defence Defence spending will increase to support the War Against Terrorism, maintain the integrity of our borders and further improve longer-term Defence Force capabilities. Including funding provided under the Defence White Paper, defence spending in 2002-03 will be over $1.3 billion higher than in 2000-01, bringing total spending to $14.1 billion.
Following the events of 11 September 2001, the Government has directed extra funding to Defence to cover the additional costs of deploying armed forces to Afghanistan and the Middle East, at an increased tempo of Defence operations above the White Paper funding levels.			deployment following 11 September 2001
The Defence Force and Customs are playing a key role in maintaining the integrity of our borders.			patrolling northern waters
New funding will increase the Defence Force's ability to deal with potential terrorist threats and incidents. The Government will establish a permanent Incident Response Regiment with capacity to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents and establish a permanent special forces Tactical Assault Group for counter terrorism on the east coast to support the existing one on the west coast.			Incident Response Regiment and another Tactical Assault Group
The Government continues to provide funding to improve the ability of the Defence Force to defend Australia and its national interests. Consistent with the Government's ten-year defence plan, set out in the Defence White Paper, the Government is funding major projects such as acquiring armed reconnaissance helicopters and upgrading weapons on Australia's ANZAC frigates.			meeting Defence White Paper commitments
Rising Commonwealth Spending on Defence