Abbott promises better deal for defence

25 Sep 2012, 6:11 pm   -   Source: AAP
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says a coalition government would restore defence spending. (AAP)

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says a coalition government would restore defence spending. (AAP)

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says a coalition government would restore defence spending to three per cent growth when the budget allows.

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The coalition's promise of restoring three per cent annual growth in the defence budget is all fluff and no detail, Finance Minister Penny Wong says.

Opposition leader Tony Abbott says a coalition government would buy new equipment and get the defence budget back to real annual three per cent growth - when it can afford to.

"Our aspiration, as the commonwealth's budgetary position improves, would be to restore the three per cent real growth in defence spending that marked the final seven years of the Howard government," he said.

Speaking at the RSL national conference in Sydney, Mr Abbott slammed Labor's record on defence, saying funding cuts in the last budget showed it was intent on reducing Australia from a middle to a small power.

He said the Howard government had left Australia able to defend itself, deal with regional contingencies and conduct operations alongside allies.

"The best that can be said of the current government's performance on defence is that it's been more promise than delivery," he said.

Mr Abbott said a coalition government would release a new defence white paper within 18 months of an election and prepare for potential purchases of new submarines and the Joint Strike Fighter.

It would also begin the process of acquiring Global Hawk drones to conduct surveillance over the resource-rich northwest of Australia.

Only in one area did Mr Abbott actually commit a coalition government to an immediate spending measure, although he didn't say how big the outlay would be.

In a pitch for the veteran vote, Mr Abbott said he would properly index the superannuation of ex-service personnel in his government's first budget.

Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon, who was also at the RSL conference, said Mr Abbott's defence commitments couldn't be taken too seriously.

"I don't think he'll require another white paper 18 months after he gets in, because the next white paper will be addressing our needs currently and anticipated needs," he said.

The government is releasing a white paper next year.

Finance Minister Penny Wong said Mr Abbott should explain how he would fund his spending increases.

"He's happy to talk about a lot of fluff, but he is not happy to ever disclose to people what his plans really are, and just what he would cut in terms of jobs and frontline services," she told reporters.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Andrew Davies said Mr Abbott was wise not to make a firm call on new submarines and JSF at this stage as there was not enough information about their cost and capabilities.

"What requires a bit more development is the notion of offshore surveillance. Global Hawk is a very capable aircraft but a very expensive one," Dr Davies said.

"Ultimately a mixture of different types is probably the right answer. Surveillance is all well and good, but you also have to be able to do response."

Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James welcomed Mr Abbott's declaration that Australia's enemies needed to understand the nation's determination to protect its people exceeded their determination to do them harm.

"This shows that at least they have a very good understanding of the importance of deterrence and the ability to clobber someone back if they are going to have a go at you," he said.

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