HMAS COLLINS…all the Collins class submarines will be brought to a higher level of capability.

The Government will increase Defence spending by $23.5 billion in real terms over the next decade representing the biggest funding increase for 20 years, the Minister for Defence, Mr John Moore, said at the launch of the Defence White Paper last Wednesday.

"The men and women of Defence will have the resources they need to do the job being asked of them by Government," he told a packed media conference at Parliament House.

"It reflects the Government's response to Australia's changing strategic circumstances.

"There is provision for an increase in the number of permanent Army infantry battalions, improved sustainability and we have brought forward the acquisition of armed reconnaissance helicopters."

Mr Moore described the White Paper, titled Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force, as a blueprint for the future security of Australia and a stronger, more capable Defence Force.

"This is the biggest funding increase for Defence in 20 years," he said. "In return the Defence Department and the ADF will be expected to continue the reform program begun two years ago, and to make further gains in efficiency and in financial management."

The Minister said release of the White Paper followed an extensive review of Australia's defence and security policies incorporating the views of the Australian public through the community consultation process.

The document, reflected the strong view held by the Government, Defence and the majority of Australians who participated in the review process, that the defence of Australia should remain the ADF's top priority.

"That means being able to control the approaches to Australia and engaging any adversary as far from our shores as possible," he said. "Improvements to our existing capabilities will ensure that the ADF is able to meet these requirements."

The Minister outlined key points of the White Paper as:

• Strengthening of maritime forces with all six Collins Class submarines being brought to a higher level of capability and introduction of a new class of air warfare destroyers to the replace the guided missile frigates (FFGs);
  
  
• Enhancement of Land Force readiness with improvements to firepower, logistics and mobility and an increase from four to six battalions held at high readiness;
  
  
• Purchase of two squadron of armed reconnaissance helicopters and an additional squadron of troop-lift helicopters;
  
  
• A more important and challenging role for Reservists in direct support of deployed forces as a means of force sustainment and providing additional specialist skills;
  
  
• Maintaining Australia's air combat capability as the best in the region with the acquisition of four AEW&C aircraft and the option of three more later in the decade, continuation of the F/A18 upgrade program and provision by the Government for acquisition of up to 100 new aircraft to replace the Hornets and possibly the F111s;

Biggest increase for two decades

• Improvements to the F111 electronic warfare self-protection system to enhance Australia's strike capability;
  
  
• Maintenance of the commitment to the knowledge edge and the recruiting and retention of skilled personnel;
  
  
• Retaining Australia's alliance architecture with the United States as a key strategic asset.

By Antony Underwood