Budget 2003
Maritime forces goals will be met through a number of activities

By LEUT Kate Ryan
The 2003/04 budget released on May13 increased defence spending, by $1.1 billion, to $15.8 billion for financial year 2003/04. The Defence White Paper Maritime Forces Goal will be met now and in the future through a number of activities.

In 2003/04 these will include:

• delivery of additional Evolved SeaSparrow surface-to-air missiles
• continued enhancements to Collins Class submarine platforms and sensors and,
• delivery of a digital hydrographic database.

Other activities, with outcomes in future years, include:

• selection of the patrol boat replacement
• continuation of the FFG upgrade program
• progression of the project to fit a mine and obstacle avoidance sonar in the Anzac Class FFH
• initial installation of the Harpoon anti-ship missile system in an FFH
• redevelopment of HMAS Albatross facilities and,
• establishment of a naval ammunition facility at Eden, NSW.

The commitment to Operation Relex II has been scaled back because no suspected illegal entry vessels (SIEV) have arrived in Australian waters since December 2001. $17.8 million, down from $22.3 million in 2002/03, has been provided to enable the ADF to continue operations to deter unauthorised boat arrivals and strengthen Australia’s borders.

While funding has been reduced contingency arrangements remain in place to reinforce the force elements if the threat increases again.

The impact, if any, of this funding reduction in terms of ship support to Op Relex II is not yet known.

Logistics and support funding has been augmented for a number of platforms including the Collins Class submarine. This will allow the ADF to conduct sustainable operations at an operational tempo higher than that envisaged by the Defence White Paper.

Operation Safebase, enhanced protective security measures for Defence personnel and facilities, has also received increased funding. This mainly relates to increased guarding, patrolling and protective searches.

For personnel, $40 million has been allocated over the next four years ($10 million in 2003/04) to fund initiatives intended to increase Navy’s personnel retention rates.

Navy is currently below the personnel strength target outlined in the Defence White Paper, and continues to have high separation rates. These initiatives will include work practice, workforce structure and training, being particularly targeted at employment groups experiencing critical shortages.

Budget commitments to other programs, including intelligence capabilities and increased port security, will indirectly affect Navy’s operations.

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