Investing in Australia's Future (Continued)
Advancing our National Security interests
Since the 2009 National Security Statement, the Government has focussed on building a cohesive approach to national security, as epitomised in the 2013 National Security Strategy. The Government has released a series of documents, including the Defence White Paper 2013, the 2011 Independent Review of the Intelligence Community and the Cyber Security Strategy (2009), and has strengthened legal frameworks and powers to ensure enforcement agencies have the appropriate tools to fight terrorism and combat organised crime.
The Government has also ensured that Defence is adequately resourced, providing more than $100 billion across the forward estimates for Defence in recent Budgets, and ensuring new capabilities such as the new Growler electronic warfare aircraft announced in the 2013‑14 Budget.
While the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) mentoring role in Afghanistan will come to an end in 2013, the Government has confirmed Australia's continuing commitment to Afghanistan, with the ADF focussed on a training role at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, and through civilian efforts on development and capacity building.
The Government has also acted to address people smuggling in our region, and to prevent further deaths on our seas. The Government is implementing the Regional Resettlement Arrangement with Papua New Guinea to remove the incentive for people to risk their lives on dangerous boat journeys to Australia.
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