Strengthening our borders — protecting our troops

Border and aviation security

The 2010‑11 Budget provides $1.2 billion to enhance and strengthen Australia's border and aviation security.

The Government will replace the Bay Class patrol vessels used by Customs to patrol Australia's maritime domain. The replacement vessels will provide enhanced capability and greater flexibility to respond to an evolving maritime security environment.

This Budget provides $199 million over five years to strengthen and enhance Australia's aviation security. Ongoing funding will also maintain a strong Australian Federal Police presence at major Australian airports.

Strengthening security capabilities

The Government will invest over $500 million to improve Australia's national security capacity. This includes $101 million for enhancing the security of Australia's passports, and additional funding for counter terrorism measures, identity security and initiatives to combat organised crime.

Protecting our Defence personnel

To improve the safety of Defence personnel deployed overseas, funding of $1.1 billion will be provided for enhanced force protection measures. This funding is in addition to the $239 million provided for existing force protection capabilities as part of our military involvement in Afghanistan.

The 2010‑11 Budget is also providing $1.5 billion for Australia's military stabilisation and capacity building efforts overseas.

A good global citizen

Overseas Development Assistance funding over the forward estimates has increased by $1.3 billion since the 2009‑10 Budget.

Delayed flow through to ODA of methodology changes for calculating GNI will result in savings to the budget of $1 billion over four years. The Government remains on track to reach an ODA/GNI ratio of 0.5 per cent in 2015‑16.