Defence White Paper
The Defence White Paper 2009 was released on 2 May 2009
Read the White Paper (PDF, 1.84MB)
A full list of Media Releases relating to the release of the White Paper are available through this link. Supporting imagery is available through the Media Room.
The Defence Response to the Mortimer Review is also available.
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Accessing copies of the White Paper Document
Please note that, to ensure the efficient and environmentally friendly use of resources, only a limited number of physical copies of the White Paper have been produced.
Interested parties who wish to obtain a copy of the publication should download it from the link above.
Requests for hard copies of the document will be considered if you have a legitimate requirement for a physical copy. In these circumstances, please send an e-mail detailing your name, postal address and requirements to: white.paper@defence.gov.au
On 22 February 2008, The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, announced the commissioning a new Defence White Paper. He also announced the structure of the White Paper along with the appointment of the personnel who will be responsible for the development and delivery of this key strategic document.
During the announcement at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Mr Fitzgibbon said the White Paper is a vital planning document that will form the foundation of our future Defence capabilities.
"We owe it to the Australian people to get this planning right. The White Paper will help the government make fully-informed and cost-effective decisions about the military capabilities we need to defend Australia and to promote our interests,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.
Mr Fitzgibbon has also commissioned a series of accompanying reviews (Companion Reviews) to be conducted across a range of Defence areas to underpin the new White Paper. These critical studies will be a key input to developing Defence business and budget priorities out to 2030.
Production of the White Paper will be led by Defence, with current Deputy Secretary Strategy, Coordination and Governance Mr Michael Pezzullo assuming the role of principal author of the White Paper from 25 February 2008.
A Ministerial Advisory Panel will also provide external advice on key issues associated with the White Paper, and to work with Mr Pezzullo. The panel, comprising three leading Australian strategists, Professor Ross Babbage, Major General Peter Abigail (Retd), and Dr Mark Thomson, will bring valuable experience to the White Paper process.