This report, prepared by Mark Thomson, gives interested readers greater access to the complex workings of the Defence Budget and promotes informed debate on Defence budget issues. This year’s budget shows that the implementation of the government’s 2009 Defence White Paper is continuing to fall behind schedule.

The government needs to get its plans for Defence back on track. The future investment program needs to be brought in line with what can feasibly be achieved over the next few years, and steps need be taken to improve Defence’s understanding of its budget.

The time has come to abandon the promise of 3% real growth in defence spending and instead fund Defence on the basis of what they can realistically and sensibly spend. 

This report was officially launched on 26 May 2011. Download the transcript, presentation slides and view the video here.