THE HON. JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
080/2009
BUDGET 2009-10
$1.7 BILLION TO SUSTAIN AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE
FORCE OPERATIONS
The Rudd Government has allocated $1.7 billion in 2009-10 for major
Australian Defence Force operations, Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon
announced today.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the funding would ensure the men and women of the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) were fully supported while they contributed to
regional and global security.
“Australia’s commitment to ADF operations in Afghanistan and the wider
Middle East Area of Operation has been allocated $1.4 billion,” Mr Fitzgibbon
said.
“Australia has strengthened its commitment to Afghanistan through a number
of whole-of-Government initiatives, including additional training assistance to
the Afghanistan National Army through additional ADF Operational Mentoring
and Liaison Teams and increased support during the Afghan elections.”
Mr Fitzgibbon also welcomed the United States’ increased focus on
Afghanistan, during what will be an important year for the war-torn country. By
September 2009, the United States is expected to have approximately 62,000
troops in Afghanistan.
The ADF continues to adjust its basing of assets in the Middle East to optimise
their support to current operations. A small number of ADF members, who
remain embedded in coalition headquarters in Iraq, will withdraw by 31 July 2009.
The ADF will maintain its Security Detachment into 2010, which provides security
and support for the Australian embassy and its staff in Iraq.
“$62.2 million has been allocated for operations in Iraq. Operation Kruger will
provide a tailored security detail to protect the Australian Embassy in Iraq that
will facilitate the movement and protection of its staff. The ADF’s contribution
to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in
Iraq (Operation Catalyst) will cease on 31 July 2009” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon said that two ongoing major overseas operations had also been
funded in 2009-10, with $213.8 million being committed to East Timor and
$29.6 million to the Solomon Islands.
“The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force in East Timor is made up
of about 650 ADF personnel and will continue to provide a range of specified
security tasks in support of the East Timorese authorities and the UN,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The ADF also provides around 110 military personnel to the Regional
Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. Overall, Australia’s significant
contribution to both these operations in our region should not be
underestimated.”
Funding of $12.6 million has also been committed for Operation Resolute
in 2009-10, the ADF’s contribution to the whole-of-Government focus on
domestic maritime security activities. Around 400 ADF personnel are assigned
to this operation to protect Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone from illegal
fishing, smuggling and unauthorised arrivals.
“The Rudd Government has made a significant budget commitment to
Defence operations and will continue to work with our friends and allies in the
international community to prevent terrorism and build security for the people
of Iraq and Afghanistan,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“We will also work hard with our neighbours to build stability in our region, in
East Timor and the Solomon Islands, and to protect Australia’s borders and
national interests.”
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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