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This statement follows from the Government's consideration of Australia's strategic interests two years after the release of the Government's Defence White Paper, Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force. It recognises and sets out our responses to the salient features in our changing security environment: the emergence of new and more immediate threats from terrorism and increased concerns about the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
This statement also addresses our continuing concerns about developments in our immediate region which have consequences for Australia's interests. Since the horrific attacks of September 2001 and October 2002, the Government has taken steps to improve security, both domestically and internationally.
These actions, which include increased funding to intelligence agencies, improved immigration controls, new Defence capabilities to combat terrorism and improvements in airline security, have quickly and effectively responded to some of the major threats which have emerged.
This statement reviews the implications for Australia's defence posture. It concludes that while the principles set out in the Defence White Paper remain sound, some rebalancing of capability and expenditure will be necessary to take account of changes in Australia's strategic environment. This rebalancing will not fundamentally alter the size, structure and roles of the Defence Force, but it will inevitably result in increased emphasis on readiness and mobility, on interoperability, on the development and enhancement of important new capabilities and, where sensible and prudent, a reduced emphasis on capabilities of less importance.
Senator the Hon Robert Hill
Minister for Defence
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