The Australian Coalition Government continues its commitment to increasing investment in Australian defence infrastructure.
According to a report by Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Defence, reports of massive job losses in the industry are speculative.
Over the last six years, defence spending dropped to levels not seen since 1938.
The former government’s decisions led to 119 defence projects being delayed, 43 projects being reduced in scope and eight projects cancelled, risking critical capability gaps.
Under the Coalition more than $1 billion worth of defence work is continuing in South Australia alone, including 44 separate acquisition projects such as the Air Warfare Destroyer programme, the support and upgrade of the RAAF’s P3 Orion aircraft fleet, and upgrades to ANZAC Class Frigates and the Army’s communications systems.
This is addition to $34 million on the Future Submarine program.
Over the next four years – subject to the outcomes of the Defence white paper – there will be up to $4.2 billion in defence spending for building and sustaining defence materiel.
Australia will acquire eight P8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the Government has committed to the acquisition of the highly-capable Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Press release, Image: Australian Navy