By Stephen Robson
During the Cold War, Australia's military expenditure was justified as protection against a Soviet threat, against the "red peril" from the north which would sweep down, toppling country after country until arriving on our shores. While today we can laugh at this ridiculous premise, we should focus on the new propositions being sold in the Defence White Paper. Released on November 30, the paper is as dangerous as it is socially wasteful.
"Defence" is going to cost us more. The Australian in its December 1 editorial argued for "spending in the range of 2.6% to 3% of GDP". The federal government already spends $10 billion per year on defence, about 2% of GDP.
Spending priorities are based on two assumptions: for Australia, regional developments are now of greater importance than US interests; and increased military spending by other governments in Asia will lead to a "deteriorating strategic environment".
Interestingly, not all establishment supporters are convinced of the urgency to massively increase defence expenditure. Alan Wrigley, former director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, says, "A government committed to vigorous change and sensitive to the community concerns could strengthen our long-term security by cutting at least $2 billion to $3 billion a year from military spending".
Greens (WA) Senator Dee Margetts told the Senate on November 30: "We have large hospital queues, our farming sector and rural communities are in disarray, and our schools and universities are suffering cutbacks. Taxpayers' money could be far better spent on directly helping the people of Australia through social justice initiatives, repairing the environment and improving health, housing, education and community services."