The Morrison Government has spent nearly $6.7 billion less than it promised on new Defence weapons, vehicles, equipment and bases since 2016.
$5.7 billion of this shortfall in Defence spending is on Major Capital Investments including the Joint Strike Fighter ($560 million), Future Frigates ($249 million) and Offshore Patrol Vessels ($100 million).
These are key projects that are missing out on significant, critical funding because of the Morrison Government’s mismanagement of Defence capability projects.
The Government loves bragging about Defence spending but the reality is they are doing the opposite.
They are always there for the photo op, never for the follow up.
The Prime Minister and the Defence Minister are happy to get their photos taken in front of ADF equipment but go missing when it’s time to make sure new equipment is delivered on time and on budget.
In addition, analysis of Budget papers confirms this problem is getting worse.
The Morrison Government’s continuing mismanagement of Defence projects means Australian Defence Force personnel are not getting the capabilities they need when they need it.
The Defence Minister must explain why the Government has invested billions less than budgeted and what she is doing to fix this issue.