Should Australia increase or decrease military spending?
In February 2016 the government announced that military spending will increase Military spending will grow by $29.9b through 2026. Australia’s military budget is the 12th largest in the world. The 2016 increase will rank Australia 9th amongst world Defence budgets as a percentage of GDP. Proponents of a larger budget argue that it is necessary due to recent disagreements between the US and China in the South China sea. Critics of a larger budget argue that it sets off an unnecessary arms race and will provoke China into creating a larger naval force to offset it.
I think they should increase it only if it is something we really need. I don't think it should be increased if they are going to spend it on nucellar weapons.
@97ZL8PM1yr1Y
We should spend the amount required to keep the country safe but should be eliminating money that is being wasted/rorted by inefficiencies in the system.
@938425Q2yrs2Y
Increase, Military is Important right now due to rising tensions around the world
Increase but only when our national debt is reduced (slightly if possible because the quicker we increase our military funds the better)
MORE FREEDOM LAUNCHERS PLEASE!!! (20x F-18 super-hornets, 2x fleet carriers, 3x B-52, 5x F-22 raptors, 10x F-35 lightnings, 5x F-16 and finally please give me a junior flight licence and a 1x C-172s)
Although we rarely go to war, increase because it is better for training and it is better safe than sorry.
@9JPP255One Nation2mos2MO
Only when we are in risk of war, then we start using our money on defence. Make sure to get some new technology :).
@9JKG8RG3mos3MO
Increase our budget and upsize the army. We need to be able to repel a potential invasion from China.
@9JH8PD33mos3MO
Decrease unnecessary spending on military assets that wont assist in national defence. I.e Australias recent purchase of Nuclear Submarines
Build strong defence; non-interference policy in foreign sovereighnty, particularly in support of US and NATO initiatives
@9GRJD6Z5mos5MO
Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced unless China becomes a militarily problem.
Maintain what is necessary so increased in times of emergency and in peace time, maintained at set levels that do not infringe on other levels of spending and also are not intended for just foreign interventions.
@9FFQK5S7mos7MO
it should be increased after improvements to education, health, social programs etc...
@9F53VMX7mos7MO
Decrease, and put more money into healthcare, education and general public well-being.
@9F24XT88mos8MO
Decrease, and abolish the Australian Defence Force
@9DWYY2Z8mos8MO
yes, Only enough to be safe enough if it comes to war
@9CZNQKNLiberal Democrat9mos9MO
Increase funding for national defense whilst not creating a industrial military complex like USA.
Increase and account for every dollar already spent and become a nuclear power with a outstanding navy
Decrease in absolute terms, increase in relative terms
Increase so Australia has highly competent Air Ground and sea forces while building new 5th generation weapons
@99X67W31yr1Y
Increase, with a specific focus on Australian owned businesses/manufacturers, and developing sovereign capabilities.
@99X4VGT1yr1Y
Increase only if we are far behind in the military compared to other countries
@99WD8GY1yr1Y
Decrease and spend the money on more important environmental and social issues in Australia.
@99VRY8T1yr1Y
We should spend more on schools and other public services
@99TT8GY1yr1Y
Increase for now because I think we need to strengthen our defences for possibly a potential war coming up.
@99RV56X1yr1Y
If threats are being made to our country
@92DQ6YD2yrs2Y
Need statistics before making decision
@92CJB8Q2yrs2Y
Everyone decrease spending.
@92CGZJH2yrs2Y
get value for money, source the best regardless of origin
@92C8NLZ2yrs2Y
Australia should have nuclear weapons!
@92BKBGS2yrs2Y
Should manage spending to provide the required level of service
@929XVV52yrs2Y
Reorganise military spending to better utilise assets. No increase or decrease is needed, merely change.
@929PF382yrs2Y
Increase but deploy them for emergencies instead of ses. They should have all the ses funding and responsibility as well.
@9294YW62yrs2Y
Military spending should be more inclusive of national disater recovery and foreign aid, not just "defence and attack" capabilities
@927K9GT2yrs2Y
Military spending should be about defence. Navy, and Airforce, and defence support for other countries in our region.
@927HYD52yrs2Y
Should not give away 5 billion dollars .
@927D3752yrs2Y
I think there should be an overall increase in spending in Defence and Public Safety
@927B7Z72yrs2Y
Decrease, but increase funding to bolster our diplomatic capabilities
@92746JZ2yrs2Y
Don’t know enough about foreign policy
@9272YLG2yrs2Y
I would support it if it went purely to defence and navy not towards offence
@926XJ272yrs2Y
Increase, but only after the current regime is deposed.
@926W9LD2yrs2Y
Should be decreased until deficits are reduced
@922YV49Independent2yrs2Y
They should get better at spending for military assets
The aim should be to reduce the military to zero within 25 years
The amount of money isn't as important as the correct decisions as to what to spend the money on
@9226J832yrs2Y
increase if it means more protection for people
@8ZYYYVSIndependent2yrs2Y
Relevant to budget allocations so is equal and fair
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