Publications
Defence Portfolio Publications
Defence Update 2005
Australia's National Security: Defence Update 2005 was released on 15 December 2005 outlining current threats and challenges facing Australia and the measures the Howard Government is taking to keep Australia secure.
Defence Update 2003
Australia's National Security: A Defence Update 2003 follows from the Government's consideration of Australia's strategic interests two years after the release of the Government's Defence White Paper, Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force. It recognises and sets out our responses to the salient features in our changing security environment and reviews the implications for Australia's defence posture.
Defence White Paper
Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force was tabled in the Federal Parliament on 6 December 2000 by the Prime Minister, The Hon John Howard, MP. This Defence White Paper announces and explains the Government's decisions about Australia's strategic policy over the next decade.
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.
Portfolio Budget Statements
The purpose of the Defence Portfolio Budget Statements is to provide further explanation for Senators and Members of the proposed expenditure for Defence in Appropriation Bills (Nos. 1 and 2) 2003-04.
Defence Service Charter
The Defence Service Charter is the Department of Defence's key document that outlines Defence's commitment to the Australian public on what standards of service should be expected when dealing with the Department. It also provides details on the options available for the public to comment on Defence's performance. The Charter is currently only available on the Restricted Network.
Strategy Publications
Force 2020 (PDF format - 4.42Mb)
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 (PDF format - 2Mb)
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 (PDF format - 4.99Mb)
This 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.