Australia Increases Funds To Fight Terrorism (May 15)
The Howard Government has committed $524 million to support Australia's involvement in the international coalition against terrorism.
An extra $194 million has been allocated in the 2002-03 Budget for the Operation Slipper deployments of personnel, naval, land and air assets to the war against terrorism. This is on top of the extra $330 million provided in the 2001-02 Additional Estimates in February and brings the total allocation to $524 million.
"Australia committed to the global fight against terrorism knowing that its aims could not be achieved overnight," Defence Minister Senator Hill said. "We shall stand with the international coalition for as long as it takes to ensure a safer world where terrorism is not permitted to flourish. It will not be easy to call victory but we are in for the long haul."
Operation Slipper involves about 1100 personnel and currently includes:
--A new rotation of Special Forces Task Group personnel in Afghanistan.
--Two Royal Australian Air Force 707 air-to-air refuellers in Manas in Kyrgyzstan supporting United States and French aircraft.
--Two Royal Australian Navy frigates - HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Canberra - and one amphibious landing ship - the HMAS Manoora - in the Persian Gulf contributing to the multinational Interception force and potentially supporting the war in Afghanistan. The Manoora is due to return from duties next month for maintenance.
--RAAF F/A-18 fighter aircraft providing air defence from Diego Garcia. These aircraft are due to return to Australia by the end of this month.
"The war against terrorism is costly," Senator Hill said. "It is impossible to have forces on the ground, ships in active service and aircraft operational in the region without incurring significant outlays. The additional funding in the 2002-03 Budget - combined with offsets achieved by re-prioritising and rescheduling activities largely unconnected directly to operations - will go to new operations and to the associated increased costs of personnel training and maintenance of equipment."
Budget 2002-03: Increased Funding For War Against Terrorism
