Coalition Plans to Boost Australia’s Defence Spending to 3% of GDP

Australia's opposition Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP within five years and 3% within a decade if elected, responding to growing security concerns and calls from the Trump administration for allies to boost defence budgets. The Coalition criticizes the Labor government for maintaining defence spending at around 2% and for alleged funding cuts and delays, arguing these have weakened national security and morale. Dutton and shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie emphasize the need for urgency and a stronger Australian Defence Force to address rising global tensions and threats. Labor, meanwhile, highlights its commitment to the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact and its own significant long-term defence investments, though spending is projected to reach only about 2.3% of GDP by 2034. Critics of the Coalition's plan note the lack of detail on how the increased spending will be funded and warn about potential impacts on the budget. National security and defence policy have emerged as key battlegrounds ahead of the upcoming election, with both parties seeking to position themselves as best equipped to protect Australia's strategic interests.