8legs: Richard marles

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#1 out of 2

Labor will lift Australia’s defence budget by about $53 billion over the next decade, raising spending toward 2.4% of GDP.
Defence Minister Richard Marles will unveil the National Defence Strategy 2026 and an integrated investment program.
The plan relies on private capital and off-budget spending to speed up capability upgrades.
Australia’s latest budget forecasts show defence spending rising to about 2.3 to 2.4% of GDP by 2033.
Private capital will support upgrades at Henderson in Western Australia as part of the Aukus-related build-out.
The strategy notes growing strategic competition and defence modernisation in the Indo-Pacific region require new thinking.
Labor aims to limit growth in National Disability Insurance Scheme costs as part of broader fiscal measures.
The U.S. 3.5% GDP defence target set by Donald Trump remains unmet by Australia’s plan.
Marles emphasizes private capital is central to keeping Australia safe through faster capability.
Experts have warned that off-budget financing can obscure costs and reduce transparency.

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#2 out of 2

Marles announced defense spending would rise by $14 billion over four years and $53 billion over the next decade, framing the plan as need-based.
Marles argued the 3% of GDP reference point is a NATO-style measure, with Australia aiming to be around 2.4% of GDP over the decade.
The government said cost rises for Aukus reflect progress on related infrastructure and not just the submarine program.
Marles said increases were not based on arbitrary goals but on assessed need, countering claims of external pressure.
Analysts noted NATO budgeting conventions can shift when costs are counted, affecting apparent comparisons.
The Aukus deal's total price tag has been reassessed as infrastructure projects like Osbourne shipyard and Henderson base progress.
The defence minister claimed figures could be compared 'apples with apples' to avoid misinterpretation.
Marles argued the total cost of Aukus should be seen as a percentage of GDP over the life of the project.
Labor maintains that defence spending has increased under its government, with reassurances on future budgeting.

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