Statement 1:
Budget Overview
(Continued)
Strengthening our borders — protecting our troops
This Budget provides funding to protect our troops on overseas operations while also enhancing national security at home, including aviation and border security. The initiatives outlined in this Budget will ensure that Australia is well equipped to meet its national security interests into the future.
This is the first Budget to deliver a coordinated approach to national security funding. A coordinated approach to the national security budget has allowed the Government to direct funding to the highest national security priorities. This approach will ensure Australia's law enforcement, intelligence, security and border protection services are better able to protect our community.
Protecting our troops on overseas operations
Australia remains committed to its overseas operations. The Budget will provide $1.3 billion to support the defence force presence in Afghanistan and surrounding areas, and to conduct counter‑piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
The Government is determined to protect Australian Defence Force personnel who are deployed on operations. The Budget provides $1.1 billion to provide an increased level of security for our deployed forces in Afghanistan, particularly in relation to improvised explosive devices. An additional $239.2 million for force protection will be provided through funding for Operation SLIPPER. Some of the proposed new equipment comes within the scope of programs in the Defence Capability Plan. Those acquisitions will be prioritised and the relevant spending brought forward.
This Budget also provides $245.9 million to enhance Australia's civilian and police contribution in Afghanistan, to assist the Afghan authorities to deliver security and the rule of law and to provide essential services to local communities. This includes $108.8 million to be provided through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for development and capacity building activities, and $32.1 million to be provided to the Australian Federal Police to assist in the training and mentoring of the Afghan National Police.
The Government will continue its contribution to the stabilisation efforts in our region. The Budget provides $44.0 million to maintain an Australian Defence Force presence in the Solomon Islands, and $184.4 million to continue defence force stabilisation efforts in Timor‑Leste. In addition, the Budget provides $97.3 million to the Australian Federal Police to provide capacity building and development to police forces in Timor‑Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu, and to assist them in promoting law and order.
Strengthening our borders
This Budget provides for new border security capabilities that build upon the large investment in border security and anti‑people smuggling measures outlined in the 2009‑10 Budget.
The Government recently suspended visa processing for asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka pending possible changes in conditions in those countries, and has also introduced legislation to significantly strengthen Australia's anti‑people smuggling laws.
The Government will replace the ageing Bay Class patrol boats with new enhanced vessels capable of longer patrol times over greater distances. The new vessels will provide an improved capability, with the flexibility to respond to an evolving maritime security environment.
The Government will further secure our northern waters by providing $15.7 million over two years for the continued lease of the Ashmore Guardian patrol vessel. Stationed on Ashmore Reef, the Ashmore Guardian's role in deterring people smuggling and illegal foreign fishing makes it a key element of Australia's maritime security system.
The Government is also investing to ensure Australia's onshore and offshore detention facilities have the capacity to detain and process irregular maritime arrivals in an orderly fashion under humane conditions. The 2010‑11 Budget will provide $143.8 million for capital funding for additional immigration detention facilities. The Government has also allocated $119.3 million over four years for the improvement of facilities, infrastructure and services on Christmas Island and $18.9 million over four years to upgrade existing onshore detention facilities at Villawood, Port Augusta and the Northern Immigration Detention Centre in Darwin.
The Government recognises the vital importance of international engagement in addressing irregular migration flows. The 2010‑11 Budget provides $32.9 million over four years to enhance Indonesia's capacity to manage irregular migration flows in the region and reduce the number of irregular migrants seeking to enter Australia. This funding will support enhanced visa processes and accelerated refugee status determination in Indonesia.
These initiatives build on the whole‑of‑government strategies to combat people smuggling and strengthen border security announced as part of the 2009‑10 Budget.
Protecting our community
The 2010‑11 Budget provides funding of $199.2 million over five years to strengthen Australia's international and domestic aviation security regime against emerging threats. These measures are aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the travelling public through new and improved screening technologies, policing at airports, enhanced security procedures, and strengthened international cooperation.
The 2010‑11 Budget will also provide continued funding to maintain Australian Federal Police aviation security commitments under the Unified Policing Model at the 11 major Australian airports.
The 2010‑11 Budget also provides new investment of $69.4 million over four years to introduce a biometric‑based visa system (finger prints and facial images) for certain visa applicants in 10 overseas locations and to develop data sharing capabilities with partner countries.
This Budget also includes $100.8 million over six years to deliver a new passport issuing system that will enhance the security and efficiency of Australia's expanding passport operations.
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