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The
Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence today released
the most comprehensive Defence White Paper ever produced
by an Australian Government. “Representing over
14 months of hard work, involving all areas of Defence
and the complete re-examination of Defence strategy,
capabilities, business processes and resources, this
is the most comprehensive White Paper ever released,”
said Mr Fitzgibbon. The new White Paper affirms the
Rudd Labor Government’s commitment to the defence
of Australia, the security and stability of the regional
security environment, and a rules-based global security
order.
The primary outcome of the White Paper is to build a
future force required for the defence of Australia and
the security of the immediate region. In meeting this
aim, the existing force will be fixed to bring it up
to its intended strength after years of under investment
and over commitment by the former Liberal Government.
This White Paper confirms the centrality of the alliance
relationship with the United States, and reaffirms Australia’s
commitment to the United Nations system. The White Paper
notes the increasing uncertainty of the strategic environment,
and better positions Defence to respond to the broad
range of possible conflicts and contingencies likely
to impact upon Australia’s future security.
“The capabilities outlined in the White Paper will,
over the next 20 years, create one of the most capable
Defence forces in our region, with the world’s
best people, equipment and support systems,” said
Mr Fitzgibbon. “The Australian Defence Force we
are creating will have access to leading edge technology,
the finest equipment and the most professional and capable
soldiers, sailors and air men and women.”
To achieve this, the Government has directed the most
complex and far reaching reforms of Defence business
ever undertaken, with the redirection of significant
internal Defence financial resources to the development
of new capability. Fundamental reform to Defence personnel
management arrangements will also take place through
the creation of an integrated workforce that has the
right balance of military, civilian and contract personnel.
This will be combined with a new People Strategy that
will drive a range of initiatives to recruit and retain
the right people.
To ensure Defence optimises the resources available
for its core business, Defence will standardise and
consolidate shared services and develop smarter methods
of undertaking support functions such as facilities
management, major equipment maintenance, logistics,
procurement and business information systems.
The Government has agreed to reform the way Defence
is funded, to better align Defence funding with the
costs of delivering the future force required for the
defence of Australia and its immediate region. This
involves a new funding model, which includes the continuation
of 3% real growth in Defence funding to 2017/18, with
a commitment to growth, in real terms, at 2.2% per annum
beyond. This would maintain Defence funding at a broadly
constant share of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.
“This is a necessary White Paper that brings with
it essential reforms of how Defence is managed to delivers
the Defence Force Australia needs and deserves,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said. The 2009 Defence White Paper represents
the most comprehensive statement on Defence ever produced.
It affirms the Government’s commitment to the defence
of Australia, the protection of our sovereign interests
and the security and stability of our region.
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