Australia’s defence capability is facing a critical moment, with the federal Opposition warning that urgent and increased defence spending is now essential. Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor has described the situation as “desperate,” calling on the government to act immediately to address growing security concerns.
The Coalition has repeated its calls for stronger military funding, arguing that the Albanese government is failing to meet even its own strategic goals. Taylor’s warning comes as authoritarian regimes expand their influence, posing a rising threat to regional stability and Australia’s security.
While the United States has pushed for its allies to increase defence spending, Australia has so far resisted pressure to follow the NATO goal of spending five percent of GDP on defence by 2035. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended the government’s current approach, saying capability should guide spending, not arbitrary targets.
“We start with the capability. We don’t start with the dollars,” Burke said in a televised interview.
But Taylor rejected this logic, pointing to the government’s own Defence Strategic Review, which he says outlines exactly where money is needed. According to him, those priorities are being ignored.
“It should be based on need, but even by that measure, spending is falling short,” he said. “The government is not even meeting its own targets. This is not about pleasing the U.S.—it’s about protecting ourselves.”
Taylor said Australia risks ending up with a “paper ADF”—a defence force that exists on paper but lacks real-world strength.
“This is a desperate situation now. It needs immediate action,” he said.
He added that multiple areas within the defence sector remain critically underfunded, including the navy, recruitment efforts, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Taylor said many naval ships are not properly maintained, resulting in lower operational readiness.
“We’re even seeing ships sidelined because they’re not getting the upkeep they need. That’s a major concern,” he stated.
Recruitment is another major problem, with the Australian Defence Force reportedly short by thousands of personnel.
“We need to spend more on recruitment to make sure we have the people required. The numbers are way below where they should be,” Taylor said.
He also highlighted the urgent need to upgrade key defence facilities in northern Australia, including bases in Tindal, Darwin, and Townsville.
“Hardening those northern bases is essential. They are our front line of defence and must be properly supported.”
Taylor called for immediate investment in the Henderson submarine facility in Western Australia, which plays a crucial role in both building and maintaining Australia’s naval fleet.
“We need to ensure Henderson is ready to meet its responsibilities, both for new builds and for ongoing sustainment.”
Emerging threats from drone warfare also require urgent attention. Taylor said Australia must boost funding for drone and anti-drone systems to stay prepared for modern combat challenges.
“Drone technology is changing the nature of warfare. We can’t afford to fall behind.”
The shadow minister warned that failure to address these issues would leave Australia vulnerable at a time of rising international tensions.
“Keeping Australians safe must always be the first duty of government,” he said. “If we can’t guarantee peace through strong defence, then we’ve failed.”
Taylor stressed that national security depends on building strength through deterrence, and that current levels of spending are not enough to provide that assurance.
“This isn’t about alarmism. It’s about being realistic. If we want peace, we must prepare. We must invest now before it’s too late.”
With regional powers increasing their military reach and global threats shifting fast, the Coalition insists that Australia must act without delay. As Taylor put it, “The need is urgent, and time is running out.”
