Publications
Defence White Paper
The Defence White Papers are the Government's principal policy direction to the Department of Defence. They present long-term strategic direction, Government commitments, and future capability requirements. Within the Department, the White Papers inform the development of more detailed planning, capability, workforce, preparedness, and financial guidance. Previously published on an irregular basis, Defence White Papers will now be produced every five years, with the next due in 2014. The following White papers are available as PDF Files::
Portfolio Budget Statements
Defence Portfolio Budget Statements provide further explanation for Senators and Members of the proposed expenditure for Defence in Appropriation Bills (Nos. 1 and 2).
Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements
Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements outline additional funding requirements being sought by Defence and explain the variation between the Budget and Additional Estimates.
Defence Annual Reports
The Defence Annual Reports address the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which are collectively referred to as Defence. The primary purpose of annual reports of departments is accountability, in particular to the Parliament. Annual reports serve to inform the Parliament (through the responsible Minister), other stakeholders, educational and research institutions, the media and the general public about the performance of departments.
Defence Updates
The Defence Updates of 2003, 2005 and 2007 were intended as regular reviews of the strategic concepts, capabilities and posture guiding the development of the ADF. They assessed the impact of any changes in the strategic environment since the previous Update, and outlined the progress made in positioning the ADF to be able to meet these challenges.
Force 2020
Force 2020 guides the progress of our Defence Force towards the future world of 2020. It aims to develop a common understanding throughout the Australian Defence Organisation of where the Defence Force is heading over the long-term and how we intend to get there.
Joint Operations for the 21st Century: Future Joint Operating Concept
Joint Operations for the 21st Century describes how the future force will operate and the attributes this force requires to achieve its mission of protecting Australia and her national interests. It builds on Force 2020 and replaces the Future Warfighting Concept, released by previous Chiefs of the Defence Force. It is the first iteration of the Future Joint Operating Concept (FJOC) and provides broad guidance for the development and maintenance of the ADF.
The Australian Approach to Warfare
The Australian Approach to Warfare is a high level philosophical statement by CDF, on the underlying principles that drive the ADF's application of military power. It covers the cultural and political framework within which the ADF operates, and the unique fighting style of Australia's military forces.
Strategy Frameworks
Strategy Frameworks seek to synchronise the formulation of strategic guidance, strategic planning for operations, international engagement, preparedness management and capability development. The Framework was first published in 2006, with a replacement released in 2010.
Strategic Reviews
The Strategic Reviews of 1993 and 1997 outlined the future direction for Australian defence planning. They acted as interim policy documents to the longer-term outlooks provided by the 1994 and 2000 White Papers.
1972 Australian Defence Review
The Review sought to inform the public of the nature and extent of Australia's defence capabilities, the foreseeable or contingent roles of the ADF, the environments in which these could be envisaged, and the resources involved in sustaining them. It also aimed to define Australia's interests and outline defence policy to protect them.
1973 Australian Defence Reorganisation
The report, prepared by then Secretary of Defence Sir Arthur Tange, provided recommendations for the merging and reorganisation of the Department of Defence and the four other Departments in the Defence Group - Navy, Army, Air and Supply.
1986 Review of Australia's Defence Capabilities
The Review was commissioned to examine the content, priorities and rationale of long-term defence planning; advise the Defence Minister on the capabilities that should comprise Australia's future force structure; and provide advice on preparedness and mobilisation in relation to varying levels of threat, ADF command arrangements, the significance of the ADF Reserves, and opportunities for enhancing defence industry policy. Paul Dibb, an Australian National University academic and former Defence intelligence analyst, conducted the review.
1989 Australia's Strategic Planning in the 1990s
This document, along with the 1987 White Paper, represented the Government's guidance for Australia's defence development and planning. The classified document was endorsed by Cabinet in late 1989, but this declassified version was not released until 1992, prompted by the end of the Cold War.
1991 Force Structure Review
The Review made adjustments to the planning direction outlined in the 1987 White Paper regarding ADF capabilities, force structure, and financial guidance.
A History of Australian Strategic Policy Since 1945
This volume reproduces the text of fifteen declassified strategic guidance documents from 1946 to 1976. The volume was edited, and includes an introductory essay, by Stephan Frühling, Lecturer at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University.