Security is top project in extra Budget money

DEFENCE will receive an extra $507.3 million from the Federal Budget, increasing the total defence budget to $17.5 billion for 2005-2006.

The Budget, announced on May 10, provides a further $2.3 billion in White Paper funding, building on the $4 billion in increased funding already provided by the Government from 2001.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Government’s priorities included key security projects. A total of $246.5 million has been committed for security-related projects, including:

• $139.3 million to protect Australia’s offshore gas and oil platforms on the North West Shelf;
  
• $16.4 million of further funding for surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches (Op Relex) in 2005-06;
  
• $74.8 million package over two years to continue Op Safebase; and
  
• $16 million for counter proliferation measures and enhanced security for overseas posts.
  

Other commitments include Australia’s contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq with an additional $466.1 million, including $240 million over four years ($24.8 million in 2004-2005) to meet the cost of deploying the Al Muthanna Task Group to Iraq.

Funding has also been provided to buy two extra patrol boats and for trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the North West Shelf security project.

There is also funding for ongoing programs such as enhanced accommodation and associated facilities, attraction and retention initiatives, new child care places and ADF spouse support.

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