Dutton Details $21 Billion Defence Spending Plan

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to increase Australia's defence spending by $21 billion over the next five years, aiming to raise the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2029–30 and ultimately to 3% within ten years, surpassing Labor's 2.4% target by 2034. The funding would come from cutting Labor’s recurring spending, including the stage-three tax cuts, though Dutton has not detailed the specific allocations. He has named broad investment areas such as drone capability, guided weapons, cyber defences, and autonomous vehicles. Critics and experts question the feasibility of achieving these savings without impacting health and education, despite the Coalition's assurances. The policy debate continues, with analysts agreeing that higher defence spending is likely regardless of which party wins. Dutton has committed to releasing full costings before the May 3 election.