Budget 03-04: How we fared

Spending increase in line with commitment

THE 2003-04 Budget will increase spending on Defence by $2.1 billion over the five years from 2002-03 to meet the challenges of the changed strategic environment and the increased tempo of Australian Defence Force operations, Defence Minister Robert Hill said. The funding increases Defence’s Budget to more than $15 billion, or about two per cent of gross domestic product, and continues the Howard Government’s 2000 White Paper commitment to an average real growth in Defence spending of three per cent over 10 years. Key Budget initiatives include: An extra $1,145.1 million over five years from 2002-03 to boost logistics support to the ADF, recognising the increased repair, maintenance, training and operating costs of our high operational tempo. An extra $644.7 million over three years to meet the estimated additional costs of Australia’s contribution to the coalition to disarm Iraq (Operations Bastille and Falconer) and Defence’s contribution to stabilisation and recovery operations (Operation Catalyst). This includes $421 million provided in 2002-03. An extra $156.8 million over four years to establish a new Special Operations Command that will enhance Australia’s ability to respond to terrorist threats and boost Special Forces personnel numbers by about 330. An extra $102.8 million over three years to recruit more military personnel and improve retention rates in the Australian Defence Force, accelerating growth towards the White Paper target of 54,000. An extra $70.7 million over two years to continue to enhance security at Defence bases around Australia through increased guarding, patrolling and protective searches. An extra $17.8 million to continue to protect Australia’s northern approaches through Operation Relex II. This is in addition to the $18.7 million provided in 2001-02 and $22.3 million in 2002-03 to deter people smugglers and unauthorised boat arrivals. Defence will spend $3.065 billion in 2003-04 on approved major capital projects that will increase Australian Defence Force capabilities. In addition $358 million is planned for expenditure on new major capital projects and new phases of existing projects. Senator Hill said the 2003-04 Defence Budget reflected the reshaping of the Australian Defence Force to meet the challenges of the new strategic environment, as highlighted by the 2003 Defence Update. The extra money will be spent on ensuring the ADF is well-equipped, flexible and well-prepared to defend Australia and able to operate in coalitions,” Senator Hill said.

Defence spending

There are projects aplenty for the Royal Australian Air Force in the 2003-04 Budget,
presented to Parliament on May 13

New Defence projects
THE Royal Australian Air Force will be equipped with a fleet of up to five new generation air-to-air refuellers at a cost of over $2billion.

The new fleet will be capable of refuelling F/A-18, F-111 and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. They will also have a significant strategic air lift capacity when not engaged in aerial refuelling tasks, including the ability to carry passengers and cargo.

The new capability, to come into service in 2007, will replace the current fleet of Boeing 707 tanker aircraft that was identified as a limited capability in the Defence 2000 White Paper.

“Our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq highlighted that air campaigns provide crucial support to our land forces and a lethal precision strike capability that fundamentally affects the outcome of the conflict,” Defence Minister Senator
Robert Hill said.

Disarmament of Iraq
The Howard Government has committed an extra $645 million over three years to cover the estimated costs of the pre-deployment of ADF elements to the Middle East, Australia’s contribution to coalition military operations to disarm Iraq (Operations Bastille and Falconer) and stabilisation and recovery operations (Operation Catalyst).

Senator Hill said Australia had made an important contribution to combat operations and was now providing specialist assistance to help stabilise and rehabilitate Iraq so that the Iraqi people can receive the full benefits of their liberation.

“Australia’s contribution demonstrated the outstanding skill, courage and professionalism of the men and women in all three services and the ADF’s capacity to make a vital contribution to coalition military operations beyond our own region. It is a performance that all Australians can be proud of,” Senator Hill said.

Major capital projects
$515 million for four Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and associated supplies and support. The project remains on schedule and on budget, with a planned in-service date of 2007.
The design for the airborne element of the system is essentially complete, with the first Boeing 737 aircraft commencing modifications early in 2003. The second aircraft is due to commence modification activity in mid 2003. The first production radar commenced testing in November 2002, and is due to be delivered to Boeing in September 2003.

New South Wales
Redevelopment Stage 1 and Airborne Early Warning and Control Works, RAAF Williamtown: This project provides a range of new and redeveloped facilities and infrastructure for the introduction into service of the Airborne Early Warning and Control capability at RAAF Base Williamtown. Construction of the 2 Squadron Headquarters facility and
initial infrastructure commenced in April 2003.

RAAF Richmond Reinvestment: The RAAF Base Richmond Reinvestment Project is a limited capital reinvestment to address pressing infrastructure deficiencies. The individual building works associated with the reinvestment project support the current operations of Air Lift Group, upgrade of the Base engineering infrastructure, the provision of a Base Fitness Centre and the construction of additional ablutions.

Northern Territory
Base Redevelopment, RAAF Base Darwin: This project provides enhanced support facilities at RAAF Base Darwin, including Air Movements facility, RAAF Police and Ground Defence facilities. The majority of the facilities have been completed and are in use.

Upgrades to the base medical facilities and fire fighting water supply are in the design stage and will be completed by April 2004.

Development of Operational Facilities, RAAF Base Darwin: This project provides enhanced operational works at RAAF Base Darwin, including aircraft loading aprons, fuel farm, workshop and a Base Command Post. The majority of the construction has been completed. Completion of minor works and final commissioning of the facilities will be undertaken in late 2003.

RAAF Base Tindal Security Fence, Katherine: This project will provide a perimeter security fence around RAAF Base Tindal designed to detect intruder access. The project was referred to the Public Works Committee in June 2002 and is scheduled for consideration in July 2003. Subject to approval, construction of the fence is expected to commence in late 2003 and be completed by December 2004.

Additional works: living-in accommodation, vehicle shelters and a new 400m range.

Queensland
RAAF Townsville Redevelopment Stage 2: This project provides a range of new facilities for transit accommodation, main base entrance, physical fitness, and air movements. All of these works will be completed by February 2004.

RAAF Base Amberley Infrastructure Upgrade: The RAAF Base Amberley Infrastructure Project is to address pressing infrastructure deficiencies that will enable the long-term future development of Amberley. The works include the upgrading of the Base water, electricity, sewer, communications and stormwater infrastructure.

South Australia
RAAF Edinburgh Redevelopment Stage 1: This project will provide enhanced administrative, workshop and warehousing facilities, an upgrade of engineering services and an aircraft shelter. Construction works are now under way with plans to complete the works in mid 2003, with the exception of the Joint Logistics Unit (South) Warehouse that is expected to be completed by September 2003.

Foreshadowed for approval during 2003-04 is the extensions to the Electronic Warfare Squadron, RAAF Base Edinburgh: This project will provide additional facilities to support the collocation of electronic warfare activities and will provide additional space for the Software Support Facilities for a number of ADF platforms that are fitted with electronic warfare equipment. It is expected that project construction will commence in mid 2004. Target completion date is May 2005.

Victoria
Royal Australian Air Force Central Band Facilities, Laverton: This project will provide an improved administration, training and rehearsal facility for the RAAF Central Band at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton. Construction is due to commence in late 2003 with completion expected by late 2004.

Defence International Training Centre, Laverton: This project will provide improved working accommodation for instructional staff and foreign military students at the Defence International Training Centre at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton. Design is almost complete and construction is due to commence in late 2003. Completion is expected by mid 2004.

Personnel and families
A $20 million program to refurbish more than 200 homes at RAAF Base Tindal, Katherine.
$2.8 million for the Defence Employer Sponsored Childcare Program that will see new childcare centres completed at RAAF Williamtown.

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