The first priority of any Government is to keep Australians safe.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has failed to stand up for Australia as warships conducted live firing exercises near civilian flights, and our servicemen and women were unlawfully targeted with lasers, flares, and sonar.
Labor has overseen more than $80 billion in cuts and delays to Defence in just three years, degrading morale and capability, and putting Australia at risk.
That’s why an elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest over $21 billion to take Defence spending as a share of GDP to 2.5% within 5 years.
This important investment is significantly higher than under Labor and demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to keeping Australians safe in uncertain times.
Under Labor, Defence spending has stayed static at 2.0% of GDP for three years – and Labor has walked away from its own target of increasing Defence spending to 2.4% of GDP by 2033-34, dropping it instead to “over 2.3%”.
In its most recent Budget, Labor delivered no new funding for Defence.
In stark contrast, a Dutton Coalition Government will increase Defence spending to 3% of GDP within a decade, while Labor’s spend plateaus at around 2.3%.
Australia is facing the most complex and serious strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War. The rise of authoritarian powers, and conflict in Europe and the Middle East are a reminder that Australia cannot take peace for granted.
Today’s announcement follows the Coalition’s commitment to reinstate the fourth squadron of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters – restoring the capability which the Albanese Government cut.
Our country is less safe and less secure under Labor. Anthony Albanese does not have the strength or conviction to take difficult decisions in Australia’s national interest.
Uncertain times call for strong leadership and decisive action.
Under the Coalition, there will be clarity around the risks we face and a strategy to deter them.
We believe that investing in Defence is an investment in peace – which is maintained through a strong army, navy, air force and enhanced cyber security.
We will strengthen our Australian Defence Force with the funding and the capabilities required to defend our nation.
These measures will keep Australia safe, promoting peace and prosperity in an increasingly dangerous world.
Only a Dutton Coalition Government will deliver the decisive action we need to defend our nation and get Australia back on track.
Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP:
“The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister regularly tell Australians that we live in the most precarious period since the end of the Second World War. Yet, over the last three years, Labor has done nothing about it, other than rip money out of Defence, weakening strength and morale.
“The Coalition will strengthen the Australian Defence Force and support our servicemen and women to keep us safe today and into generations ahead.”
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Defence, Defence Industry, Defence Personnel, the Hon. Andrew Hastie MP:
“By increasing Defence spending to 2.5% percent of GDP within 5 years, the Coalition is ensuring the Australian Defence Force can equip our servicemen and women with the capabilities needed to defend our nation.
“There must be a sense of urgency to equipping the ADF and rebuilding our sovereign defence industrial base following three years of neglect under Labor.
“A Dutton Coalition Government will back Australian workers and businesses in defence industry to develop the sovereign capabilities our country needs. They are a critical enabler to the Australian men and women in uniform.”