Context & Overview

((I wasn't sure if I should make defence it's own section, but there's a bunch to cover and I think it's better to just summarise here.))

The Albanese Government released Australia's first-ever National Defence Strategy in April 2024. This approach responds to what the government describes as "the most complex and challenging strategic environment since the Second World War."

Historic Budget Commitments

• $50.3 billion additional defence funding over the next decade, including $5.7 billion over the forward estimates (2024-2028)

• Annual defence budget to grow from $53 billion to an estimated $100 billion by 2033-34

• Defence funding as a proportion of GDP projected to reach over 2.3% by 2033-34 (more than 0.2% higher than the previous trajectory) (Election Promise)

• Overall defence funding of $764.6 billion over the decade

Integrated Investment Program (IIP)

The government has rebuilt the IIP, allocating $330 billion over the decade to 2033-34 (up from $270 billion in the 2020 plan), including:

• $11.1 billion over the decade to support the Government's response to the Surface Combatant Fleet review

• $1 billion over the next four years to accelerate ADF preparedness including long-range strike, targeting and autonomous systems

AUKUS & Submarine Program

(I'm not the biggest fan of aukus given the current US business going on, but here we are, let's look at positives):

• Around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years across industry and government

• $200 million training facility under construction at HMAS Stirling (WA)

• $8 billion total infrastructure investment at HMAS Stirling

• $262 million to support local defence industry uplift

Major Capability Investments

• UH-60M Black Hawks: Initial operating capability achieved in February 2025, with 12 of 40 helicopters now operational

• E-7A Wedgetail: $569 million contract announced March 2025

• Maritime communications: $200 million program with Boeing Defence Australia announced March 2025

• Radar systems: $272 million for 14 Australian-made phased array radars from CEA Technologies

• MH-60R Seahawk fleet: $313.5 million maintenance contract with Sikorsky Australia

• Submarine safety: $90+ million contract extension with JFD Australia

Industry & Jobs Focus

• Black Hawk program creating 200+ jobs across NSW and Queensland

• Wedgetail contract supporting 170 jobs in the Hunter region

• Maritime communications creating 50+ jobs primarily in Brisbane

• Submarine rescue system directly supporting 46 jobs, primarily in Western Australia

• Diving equipment contract creating 13 new highly skilled jobs

• Seahawk maintenance creating 75 jobs (including 20 apprenticeships)

Reform Initiatives

• Trade reforms: Over 210 Australian companies accessing license-free exports to the US and UK since September 2024, facilitating over $25 million in exports

• Workforce planning: New comprehensive workforce plan being developed in 2024

• Parliamentary oversight: $17.5 million to establish a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence

[1] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-03-05/building-strong-and-resilient-industrial-base-australias-submarines

[2] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-28/albanese-government-secures-future-seahawk-helicopter-fleet-and-hundreds-local-jobs

[3] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-26/albanese-government-backs-local-manufacturing-100-million-contract-underwater-life-support-systems-adf

[4] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-26/albanese-government-invests-safety-our-collins-class-submarines-and-future-made-australia

[5] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-19/black-hawk-fleet-bolsters-australias-security

[6] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-10/australian-defence-industry-reaping-benefits-aukus-trade-reforms

[7] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-05-14/generational-investment-australias-defence

[8] https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australias-defence-budget-set-to-increase-by-50-billion-over-the-next-decade/04c2x7teq

[9] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-04-17/2024-integrated-investment-program

[10] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-04-17/2024-national-defence-strategy

[11] https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review

[12] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-02-12/investing-australian-made-radars-support-armys-long-range-fires-capability

[13] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-12-09/growing-skilling-australias-submariner-workforce

[14] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-03-07/569-million-contract-locks-another-decade-jobs-hunter

[15] https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-03-13/jobs-boost-brisbane-albanese-government-invests-200-million-navys-communications-system

[16] https://australianaviation.com.au/2025/03/boeing-secures-569m-raaf-wedgetail-upgrade-contract/