SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
042/2010
Budget 2010-11
Defence Operations Funding
The Rudd Government will continue its strong commitment to operations in
Afghanistan and the wider Middle East, Solomon Islands, East Timor and
coastal surveillance.
In the 2010-11 Budget, the Government has allocated $1.1 billion for Defence
operations in 2010-11, bringing the total Defence operations funding in 2010-
11 to $1.4 billion including funding approved in previous budgets.
The 2010-11 Budget will allocate $915.6 million to the Department of Defence
for its commitment to operations in Afghanistan and the wider Middle East in
2010-11. A further $19.6 million will be provided for Defence to support an
increase in Australian Government civilian officials through a dedicated
security protection force, and the provision of engineering and life support to
this wider Government contribution. Excluding enhanced force protection
capabilities, the total cost of Defence operations in Afghanistan in 2010-11,
including funding approved in previous budgets is $1.1 billion.
Senator Faulkner highlighted the importance of the ADF’s mission in bringing
peace and stability to Afghanistan and combating global terrorism.
The Government has allocated an additional $9.2 million in 2010-11 bringing
the total to $13.1 million for the continuation of a tailored security detail to
protect the Australian Embassy in Iraq.
The Government has allocated an additional $151.1 million in 2010-11
bringing the total to $170.0 million for its commitment to East Timor which will
assist in strengthening ties between our two countries and our continuing
mutual commitment to regional security and stability.
With the security situation in East Timor remaining stable since February
2008, the focus in East Timor is changing from security operations to Defence
cooperation and capacity-building to support the development of the East
Timorese military.
Due to an improved security environment in East Timor, Defence will make
greater use of Reservists, as is currently the case in Solomon Islands.
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The Government also provides continued support to the Regional Assistance
Mission to Solomon Islands, which has been allocated additional funding of
$42.5 million, and coastal surveillance operations which have been allocated
$15.3 million.
Senator Faulkner said, “This investment in Defence operations is a critical
component of bringing peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan as well
as building stability in our own region through cooperation with East Timor and
Solomon Islands”.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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