With a $3.8 billion commitment over the following four years, the Albanese Labor Government will increase investment in Australia’s northern bases.
Improving the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to conduct operations from bases in Australia’s north has been selected as a top priority area in response to the Defense Strategic Review.
Given our strategic circumstances, the Australian Army must be optimized for littoral operations in northern land and marine sectors and provide a long-range strike capability.
Additionally, the Air Force needs to be outfitted to support operations in the north through air transport, air defence, and strikes.
The Government has instructed Defense to deliver upgrades and development of the northern bases network as a matter of priority to achieve this, including • $2 billion for critical air bases extending from RAAF Base Learmonth through Cocos (Keeling) Islands, as well as air bases in the Northern Territory and northern Queensland; • $1 billion for upgrades to land and joint estate capabilities; • $600 million in maritime estate investments, including HMAS Coona.
Major training field renovations in the Northern Territory and improvements at Robertson Barracks in Darwin and Lavarack Barracks in Townsville will be the focus of investments in land and estate.
The launch of the National Defence Strategy in 2024 will complement the current efforts and advance the Government’s funding for this crucial goal.
The $3.8 billion is a portion of the $19 billion commitment made by the Albanese Government to implement the six priority areas stated in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
According to Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister for Defence Richard Marles, our northern bases are a tremendous asset and essential to Australia’s ability to project, as the Defense Strategic Review accurately notes. Our initial investment in these bases will guarantee that our Defense Force can successfully operate from them. This is a significant chance that will ensure the ADF has the facilities and capabilities it requires going forward.
“Under the Albanese Government, the future for northern Australia looks bright,” said Pat Conroy, Minister of Defence Industry. “We are investing in the north as we reshape and modernize Defense, building the capabilities Australia needs for the future.”
This will increase the defence industry’s opportunities in northern Australia, increasing the number of jobs in the region’s towns.
“Defence bases and infrastructure in the north are essential enablers for Australia’s capability and major drivers of economic activity,” said Matt Thistlethwaite, assistant minister of defence. The Albanese Labor Government is determined to maximize these chances for local businesses and Indigenous enterprises to be involved in delivering work.
