Federal government’s $875m splash in quest for the ‘khaki vote’

The federal government will spend $875 million upgrading Australian military bases next year, as it eyes defence and national security as poll winners.

The federal government will spend $875 million upgrading military bases around Australia next year, as it heads to an election in May with defence and national security as a core component of its campaign.

Barracks, ports, airfields and communications stations across all mainland states and the Northern Territory will benefit from the investment, which will create up to 1660 jobs during the construction period.

Most of those roles will be created in the communities which host Australian Defence Force bases and training facilities.

The money will be spread across 234 projects through the Defence Estate Works Program, with 79 projects in NSW receiving a total of $298 million.

Forty-one military facilities in Queensland will get $166 million, while the 34 facilities in the Northern Territory will get $112 million in funding.

In Victoria, $122 million will be spent at 29 facilities, while $106 million will go to 28 projects in South Australia, and $71 million will be spent on 23 projects in Western Australia.

With the Government keen to shore up the khaki vote in the election, due before May 21, Defence Minister Peter Dutton will travel to Perth on Thursday to announce the works, which will be funded in next week’s Budget.

The projects range from new headquarters and kennels for Australia’s military dogs at RAAF base Pearce in WA, to a renovation of the accommodation at the famous old Puckapunyal Army base in regional Victoria, to new mess facilities at the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory. Picture: Adam Taylor via PMO

The Officer's mess at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, ACT Picture: Defence

Earlier this month, the government announced a $38 billion plan to increase Australia’s defence force by almost a third, the largest increase to our fighting force in peacetime.

The announcements come in the context of a heightened security environment arising from China’s increasingly-aggressive posture.

Mr Dutton said Thrusday’s announcement represented the biggest investment in the Estate Works Program since the contract began in 2014.

“The Defence estate is an important national asset and is an integral part of enabling Defence to meet its force capabilities,” Mr Dutton said.

“Just weeks ago we announced our plans to grow the size of the ADF across all the army, Royal Australian Navy and air force, and we know that if we are to attract additional personnel, we need to ensure our facilities are safe and fit for purpose.”

He said the spending boost would also help create jobs and opportunities for the Australian tradespeople.

“We understand that communities are built around some of these bases,” Mr Dutton said.

“This is an investment in those communities that will see thousands of jobs directly and indirectly created through these projects.”

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the government’s investments would provide greater opportunities for defence contractors across the country.

“These facilities are often in regional parts of Australia, meaning small and medium businesses in these areas get the chance to play a vital role in the upgrade and maintenance of our Defence facilities,” Ms Price said.

“With our $270 billion investment in Australia’s defence capability, we are going to continue to drive job growth for years to come.”

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

QUEENSLAND

New purpose-built facility for expeditionary health operations at RAAF Amberley, south-west of Brisbane.

A refurbishment of Lavarack Barracks combined messes at Townsville

NEW SOUTH WALES

Major upgrade of the fuel hydrant line to ensure aircraft can be safely and quickly refuelled at the RAAF base at Richmond.

Refurbishment of HMAS Albatross training facilities near Nowra.

Refurbishment of the officers’ mess at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

An Australian Army Rheinmetall medium heavy-capability truck takes part in testing at a purpose-built facility near Woomera in South Australia. Picture: Defence

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Road repairs and maintenance at the major base of RAAF Woomera in regional South Australia.

Refurbishment of the RAAF Edinburgh base’ aviation medicine building, in northern Adelaide.

VICTORIA

Upgrade of the health centre at HMAS Cerberus on the Mornington Peninsula.

Refurbishment of the accommodation at the Puckapunyal military area north of Melbourne.

Refurbishment of the accommodation at Simpson Barracks at Watsonia, a northern suburb of Melbourne.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

$112m will be spent in FY22/23 across 34 projects at a multitude of Defence establishments including;

Robertson Barracks,

RAAF Darwin, RAAF Tindal,

Larrakeyah Defence Precinct inclusive of Larrakeyah Barracks, Berrimah and

HMAS Coonawarra and a number of remote training areas

At the Canine Service Medal Award ceremony for military working dogs, held at RAAF Base Pearce, Western Australia, are, from left, MWD Gilda with Corporal Xavier Koumos, MWD Loki with Corporal Owen Cooper, MWD OJ with Corporal Kristafa Erceg, MWD Ozcar with Leading Aircraftsman James Rayner, MWD Xeren with Leading Aircraftswoman Tamara Thomas, MWD Dagger with Leading Aircraftswoman Heidi Keane, MWD Onyx with Corporal Jessica Holmes and MWD Walt with Leading Aircraftsman Lachlan Edwards. Picture: Defence

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Repair and maintenance of Parkes Wharf and restoration of breakwater at HMAS Stirling, south of Perth

$11 million spend on new headquarters, kennels and veterinarian facilities for military dogs at RAAF Base Pearce