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.
36% Increase |
34% Decrease |
31% Increase |
34% Decrease |
5% Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced |
See how support for each position on “Military Spending” has changed over time for 77.9k Australia voters.
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See how importance of “Military Spending” has changed over time for 77.9k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@8JSWYCQ4yrs4Y
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.
@93W87X32yrs2Y
@938425Q2yrs2Y
Increase, Military is Important right now due to rising tensions around the world
@9M8CT842wks2W
Yes, Australia should increase military spending, but we need to make sure that the cost of military spending is not outrageous or a dumb future plan like a nuclear sub, which bought six but added extra 2 more subs that the military doesn't have enough people to join the navy to operate the sub.
@9M6YVS52wks2W
increase artillery and long-range missile arsenals, cut infantry funding, drones, missiles and nukes are the best defense/ deterrent to war and invasion
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