Home > Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook > Appendix A: Policy decisions taken since the 2013-14 Budget > Expense Measures - Defence

Appendix A: Policy decisions taken since the 2013‑14 Budget (Continued)

Expense Measures (Continued)

Defence

Free basic health care to all Australian Defence Force family members

Expense ($m)
	2012‑13	2013‑14	2014‑15	2015‑16	2016‑17
Department of Defence	‑	‑	‑	‑	‑
Related revenue ($m)
Australian Taxation Office	‑	‑	‑	‑	‑

The Government will provide $225.4 million over four years for a national Australian Defence Force Family Health programme commencing in January 2014.

Families of permanent Australian Defence Force (ADF) and continuous full time service members within Australia will be eligible to be reimbursed for out‑of‑pocket expenses for Medicare‑recognised general practice services. Additionally, each ADF dependant will be able to claim up to $400 per year for allied health services, such as physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry and podiatry.

The cost of this measure will be met from within the existing resources of the Department of Defence.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment.

Further information can be found in the Coalition's Policy for Stronger Defence.

Operation Slipper — Al Minhad Air Base — extension

Expense ($m)
	2012‑13	2013‑14	2014‑15	2015‑16	2016‑17
Department of Defence	‑	66.5	‑	‑	‑
Related revenue ($m)
Australian Taxation Office	‑	‑3.4	‑1.8	‑	‑

The Government will provide $66.5 million to extend Australia's military presence at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates until June 2014. Australia's military presence at the air base contributes to stabilisation and counter‑terrorism efforts in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East Area of Operations.

This measure is also expected to lead to a reduction in revenue of $5.2 million over two years as Australian Defence Force personnel are taxed concessionally on their base pay and allowances while on deployment.

Operation Slipper — Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft — extension

Expense ($m)
	2012‑13	2013‑14	2014‑15	2015‑16	2016‑17
Department of Defence	‑	29.5	4.2	‑	‑
Related revenue ($m)
Australian Taxation Office	‑	‑0.3	‑0.2	‑	‑

The Government will provide $33.6 million over two years to extend the deployment to Afghanistan of Australia's Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) until 31 July 2014. Heron RPA provide surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to enhance force protection in Afghanistan.

This measure is also expected to lead to a reduction in revenue of $0.5 million over two years as Australian Defence Force personnel are taxed concessionally on their base pay and allowances while on deployment.

Operation Sovereign Borders — Operation Resolute — extension

Expense ($m)
	2012‑13	2013‑14	2014‑15	2015‑16	2016‑17
Department of Defence	‑	31.6	‑	‑	‑

The Government will provide $31.6 million to expand Operation Resolute to include activities related to Operation Sovereign Borders. This funding will be used to cover costs associated with an additional major fleet unit, resulting in the permanent assignment of two major fleet units to Operation Resolute, as well as increased personnel and associated support elements, including the use of reservists.

Operation Resolute is the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the whole-of-government effort to protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests.

This measure delivers on the Government's election commitment.

Further information can be found in the Coalition's Operation Sovereign Borders policy.

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