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Federal government to spend up to $18 billion on northern Australia
defence bases in coming decade
(HTM) Source
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* **In short:** The federal government will spend $18 billion on upg
* The money is part of a larger $50 billion announcement made by the
* **What's next?** Bases across the north will receive $750 million
The federal government will spend between $14 billion and $18 billion
upgrading and "hardening" defence bases across Australia's north, as
the Australian Defence Force (ADF) pivots towards security threats in
the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy detailed the spending at a
defence industry convention in Darwin on Wednesday, following last
month's announcement of $50 billion in federal defence spending.
Mr Conroy spruiked the funding for local businesses and jobs.
Darwin's Larrakeyah Defence Precinct will be upgraded to berth
submarines, but Mr Conroy said Australia's future nuclear submarine
fleet would not be based in the Top End.
He said the government was focused on "hardening and developing" bases
in the Northern Territory, as well as other installations in northern
Western Australia and North Queensland.
Pat Conroy, pictured with US defence personnel, says Australia is in a
challenging strategic position.(USINDOPACOM)
It follows the release of the Defence Strategic Review in April last
year, which recommended the ADF shift its strategy towards missiles
and long-range capabilities.
The review found Australia's geographic isolation was no longer a
major defence advantage, and the government responded by vowing to
upgrade a number of bases across the north.
Acknowledging that Australia found itself in the "most challenging
strategic circumstances since World War II", Mr Conroy said $750
million would be included in next Tuesday's federal budget for
"hardening" northern bases.
"The NT is critical to the defence of the nation, not just in
defending Australia but projecting power out into our region against
any potential adversary," Mr Conroy said.
He said the funding would go towards projects such as surveillance
aircraft based at RAAF Tindal, near Katherine, and the purchasing and
training of crew for new amphibious landing craft based in Darwin.
## Economic benefits of defence spruiked
Governments have long promised economic development and opportunity
for the Northern Territory would accompany increased investment in the
defence bases.
But statistics released last week show residents in the territory have
been leaving for interstate, spurring debate around what can be done
to revive the region's development.
Mr Conroy promised this latest funding package would prioritise
contracts with local companies, which he said would provide thousands
of jobs.
"As we move more equipment up here you will see more work being done
up here on the defence industry," he said.
"That will all contribute to the economy, as well as increasing the
safety of Australia."
An infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve patrols
Australia's northern coastline.(ABC News: Michael Franchi)
Mr Conroy said defence made up 7.5 per cent of the territory's economy
and that share was set to grow in coming years.
He said the "lion's share" of the $18 billion for northern Australia
would be flowing into the NT, with other jurisdictions seeing a
smaller portion.
NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler welcomed the funding announcement, saying
the funding would flow into development in places such as Darwin and
Palmerston.
She said her government would be looking to open up new housing
subdivisions in anticipation of more workers and infrastructure
projects to cope with the defence investment.
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