Defence Strategic Review release slammed on Anzac Day Eve as ‘tone-deaf’ and out of touch

The PM’s defence review has been criticised as “tone-deaf” and out of touch after it was released on Anzac Day eve. See why.

The release of the highly-anticipated blueprint for the future of defence was released on Anzac Day eve to cover up “cuts to capability”, opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie says.

The veteran has accused the government of “tricky politics”, while senior defence sources declared it insensitive to discuss war and weaponry acquisition on a day set aside to commemorate the fallen.

“The Albanese government is using Anzac Day as a smokescreen, hoping the Australian people wouldn’t notice some of these trade-offs and cuts to capability,” Mr Hastie said.

“But we’re calling them on this magician’s trick, and we will hold them to account over coming days and months.”

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said: “I’m absolutely disgusted in the tone-deaf lack of respect shown by this PM and his Minister for Defence”.

The veteran said April 25 was a sacred day and could be “quite tough” for the defence community as they commemorate those whose lives have been lost.

Members from Australia’s Federation Guard participate in the march past during the Turkish international service at Gallipoli, Turkey.

Mr Thompson said releasing the review, which included cuts to infantry fighting vehicles, was “disgraceful” and showed that Anthony Albanese was “out of touch”.

He said three soldiers told him they would be discharging because of the cuts, adding personnel were concerned about what the shakeup would mean for jobs and families.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles on Monday defended the timing of the announcement saying the government had always planned to release the Defence Strategic Review around April.

The timing of the Defence Strategic Review is being questioned as it comes right before ANZAC day. Picture: David Crosling

“I do think tomorrow, as we remember those who have served in our defence forces throughout our life, it is a moment just to reflect that we are moving into a pretty precarious period,” Mr Marles said.

“It really matters that we are making sure that those who are serving now and into the future, do so with the most capable equipment that they could possibly have.”

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) welcomed the release of the DSR and apparent commitment to increase the investment in Australia’s military capacity.

But it declined to comment on the timing of its release on one of its biggest days of commemoration for the fallen of the year.

The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to a request to comment.

Originally published as Defence Strategic Review release slammed on Anzac Day Eve as ‘tone-deaf’ and out of touch