$1.5 billion to Strengthen the Army

Australian Minister for Defence, A well equipped and resourced Army is essential to the Defence of Australia. 
 
In this Budget the Government has provided the Army with an additional $1.5 billion funding over the next decade. This will ensure the Army is of sufficient size and strength and has the right equipment to meet the challenges of an increasingly demanding strategic environment. 
 
As part of the 2006-07 Budget the Government has fully funded the Hardened and Networked Army initiative announced by my predecessor in December last year. 
 
The Hardened and Networked Army initiative will improve the combat power, sustainability and survivability of the Army in operational conditions. 
 
As a consequence, the Army will be able to perform in more diverse roles and environments with increased flexibility and a greater range of response options. 
 
In all, an additional $1.5 billion has been provided over the decade to 2015-16 to:  
 
– restructure the Army, based on combined arms battle-groups with increased protection and firepower; 
– increase the size of the Army by 1,485 servicemen and women to improve the sustainability of deployed forces; 
– re-role a parachute infantry battalion to a mechanised battle-group and relocate it from Sydney to Adelaide; 
– optimise the use of equipment being delivered through the Defence Capability Plan; and 
– re-role, re-train and re-task the Army Reserve to provide direct support to Army's operational units.