2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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The long-term nature of defence force structure planning, acquisitions and
sustainment means this long-term funding commitment is critical to executing
the Government’s plans for Defence. The 10-year funding model is based on a
fully costed future force structure, including its equipment, infrastructure and
workforce, with external validation of those costs by private sector experts. This
is the first time this has been done for a Defence White Paper. This program
of external validation has provided assurance that our defence strategy is
affordable and achievable within the budget that has been allocated.
Implementation
Implementation of this Defence White Paper will be driven by Defence’s
stronger strategic centre. The Minister for Defence will consider a formal
strategic assessment of the alignment between Defence’s strategy, capability
and resources every six months to drive the Government’s annual Defence
budgeting and priority setting. These biannual reviews of our defence
strategy and plans, including First Principles Review and cultural reform
implementation, will ensure the Government and Defence have the flexibility to
seize opportunities and manage risks as our strategic circumstances change.
2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER