Additional funds to further improve the Australian Defence Force

Strong defence

The Government has provided additional funds to further improve the Australian Defence Force's capacity to protect Australia and its national interests. Funding has been committed to maintain critical defence equipment, support Australia's objectives in the War Against Terrorism, enhance our domestic security capability and boost personnel numbers.

Protecting Australian interests

Our nation's security is a key priority of the Government. In the 2003-04 Budget the Government announces an increase in spending on defence of $2.1 billion over the five years from 2002-03 to enhance the protection afforded Australia and its interests at home and abroad. The Government has now committed over $38 billion in new funding to defence since coming to office in 1996.

This Budget provides $1.1 billion over the five years from 2002-03 to augment logistics and support funding for a range of ships, aircraft and land–based specialist military equipment, as well as the purchase of ordnance. This funding is required in light of the higher operational tempo of the Australian Defence Force in the new strategic environment.

The Government has committed $645 million over the three years from 2002-03 to fund Australia's contribution to the international coalition to disarm Iraq, as well as contributions to post–conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction activities.

Funding of $157 million over the next four years will be provided to establish a Special Operations Command to enhance Australia's capacity to respond to threats to our national security. The Command will deliver an additional 334 combat and associated support personnel to coordinate the activities of Australia's Special Forces.

Recognising that the Australian Defence Force's strength is the quality of its people, the Government has also committed $103 million over the next three years to boost Defence Force personnel numbers.