PM to announce 18,500-employee expansion of ADF, with 988 to be stations in NT
The Prime Minister will announce a major expansion in Australia’s defence workforce to counter growing threats abroad.
Northern Territory
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NEARLY 1000 more defence workers will be stationed in the Northern Territory by 2040, under a new plan to expand Australia’s military capabilities in coming decades.
Amid escalating threats both around the globe and in Australia’s region, the Australian Defence Force’s ranks will swell to over 100,000 nationally.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Peter Dutton will on Thursday announce this will be achieved by expanding the ranks of the ADF by 18,500 positions by 2040, costing $38b.
Mr Morrison will announce that up to 988 more defence workers will be stationed in the Territory.
“The first priority of my government is keep Australians safe and to do that we need a bigger ADF with more soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to operate the cutting-edge capabilities we’re getting to protect Australia,” Mr Morrison said.
“Our world is becoming increasingly uncertain so it’s important we take steps now to protect our people and our national interest over the coming decades.”
A major increase in ADF staffing was previously flagged as part of the 2020 Force Structure Plan report.
The report found 12,500 ADF workers was flagged as the “bare minimum” increase, with a recommended additional 6000 positions needed to provide redundancy and resilience.
Of the 101,000 people employed by Defence in 2040, the government predicts around 80 per cent will be in uniform.
Mr Morrison said every state and territory, including the Northern Territory, would see increased staffing. He said the new roles would be focused on working with Australia’s new AUKUS agreement with the United Kingdom and United States.
“You can’t flick a switch to increase your army, navy and air force overnight, growing the type of people and skills we need to face the threats of the future takes time.”
The AUKUS agreement, announced last year, saw the UK and US commit to providing Australia with the technology to build nuclear powered submarines.
Mr Dutton said the boost to the ADF would “build the resilience we need” and help the sector prepare for the new submarine technology.
“Defence industry will also be fundamental to supporting Defence’s capability delivery and workforce growth to deliver current and enhanced technologies, systems and equipment,” he said.
“This growth in workforce and expertise will enable us to deliver our nuclear powered submarines, ships, aircraft and advanced weapons. It will mean we can build warfighting capabilities in the domains of space, and information and cyber.”
NSW and the ACT will both see the biggest staffing increase.
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