dsumner
24 May 2002, 21:48
A - Counter-Terrorism
Since 1996 the Coalition built up Australia's Special Operations Group that it now comprises the SAS Regiment, a high readiness Commando battalion (4RAR), a Reserve Commando battalion (1 Cdo Regt) and various support elements. The role of these units is to conduct offensive and recovery operations beyond the range and scope of other ADF units. These operations include the counter-terrorist capability provided by the SAS.
Since 1996, the Special Forces contribution to the defence of Australia's interests has been significant. Operations in the Persian Gulf, East Timor, Sydney Olympics, Southern Oceans, Christmas Island and Afghanistan are a major reason why the ADF is held with such high regard.
Prior to the White Paper the Government had built up our counter-terrorist capability culminating in the Defence contribution to the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Coalition's funding commitment in its Defence White Paper includes a range of measures to further enhance our Special Forces and to deal with the threat of terrorism.
In 2001-02 some $360 million has been allocated for Special Forces operations. On current plans this will increase by almost 23% to $442 million by 2010-11. Specific initiatives include additional counter-terrorist equipment for the SAS and the establishment of a full Commando capability for 4RAR.
The extra counter terrorist equipment will ensure the SAS has a range of additional mission essential equipment to do their job including communications, weaponry, mobility and electro-optics. Projects to deliver a full-time Commando capability to the Holsworthy-based 4RAR will introduce enhancements to battalion's lethality, mobility, electronic capabilities, sustainability and survivability. $117 million will be spent on raising 4RAR to a full-time commando battalion, including $44 million on new facilities and $73m on new equipment.
As a full time Commando Battalion, 4RAR's expanded tasks will include service assisted/protected evacuation, entry from the air and sea, maritime point of entry and combat search and rescue.
Funding has also been included to provide for enhanced training systems and facilities to ensure these special capabilities are sustained. This training will be enhanced by the Government's establishment of the Special Forces Training Centre at Singleton in December 1998.
The Coalition will also ensure modifications are made to the Collins Class submarine to accommodate special force operations.
In Defence intelligence some $451 million has been allocated for 2001-02, increasing by over 25% to $565 million by 2010-11. This increased funding will account for enhanced signals intelligence and imagery collection capabilities; improved intelligence processing and dissemination systems; and deeper levels of cooperation with the US in some key areas.
While the White Paper had foreshadowed the increasing involvement of the ADF in unconventional operations, the events of September 11 had indicated the need for a higher-level response to the threat of terrorism. Following the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania the Government has decided to significantly enhance Defence's Counter-Terrorist and Incident Response capability.
The Coalition believes the terrorist actions in the United States point to the need to better equip the ADF to deal with terrorist attacks which were highly planned and coordinated.
The Government has decided to effectively double the counter-terrorist capability of the Special Forces and to reinstate the specialist Incident Response Unit, whose capabilities in responding to chemical, biological, radiological and explosive incidents were in place during the Olympic Games.
Since 1996 the Coalition built up Australia's Special Operations Group that it now comprises the SAS Regiment, a high readiness Commando battalion (4RAR), a Reserve Commando battalion (1 Cdo Regt) and various support elements. The role of these units is to conduct offensive and recovery operations beyond the range and scope of other ADF units. These operations include the counter-terrorist capability provided by the SAS.
Since 1996, the Special Forces contribution to the defence of Australia's interests has been significant. Operations in the Persian Gulf, East Timor, Sydney Olympics, Southern Oceans, Christmas Island and Afghanistan are a major reason why the ADF is held with such high regard.
Prior to the White Paper the Government had built up our counter-terrorist capability culminating in the Defence contribution to the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Coalition's funding commitment in its Defence White Paper includes a range of measures to further enhance our Special Forces and to deal with the threat of terrorism.
In 2001-02 some $360 million has been allocated for Special Forces operations. On current plans this will increase by almost 23% to $442 million by 2010-11. Specific initiatives include additional counter-terrorist equipment for the SAS and the establishment of a full Commando capability for 4RAR.
The extra counter terrorist equipment will ensure the SAS has a range of additional mission essential equipment to do their job including communications, weaponry, mobility and electro-optics. Projects to deliver a full-time Commando capability to the Holsworthy-based 4RAR will introduce enhancements to battalion's lethality, mobility, electronic capabilities, sustainability and survivability. $117 million will be spent on raising 4RAR to a full-time commando battalion, including $44 million on new facilities and $73m on new equipment.
As a full time Commando Battalion, 4RAR's expanded tasks will include service assisted/protected evacuation, entry from the air and sea, maritime point of entry and combat search and rescue.
Funding has also been included to provide for enhanced training systems and facilities to ensure these special capabilities are sustained. This training will be enhanced by the Government's establishment of the Special Forces Training Centre at Singleton in December 1998.
The Coalition will also ensure modifications are made to the Collins Class submarine to accommodate special force operations.
In Defence intelligence some $451 million has been allocated for 2001-02, increasing by over 25% to $565 million by 2010-11. This increased funding will account for enhanced signals intelligence and imagery collection capabilities; improved intelligence processing and dissemination systems; and deeper levels of cooperation with the US in some key areas.
While the White Paper had foreshadowed the increasing involvement of the ADF in unconventional operations, the events of September 11 had indicated the need for a higher-level response to the threat of terrorism. Following the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania the Government has decided to significantly enhance Defence's Counter-Terrorist and Incident Response capability.
The Coalition believes the terrorist actions in the United States point to the need to better equip the ADF to deal with terrorist attacks which were highly planned and coordinated.
The Government has decided to effectively double the counter-terrorist capability of the Special Forces and to reinstate the specialist Incident Response Unit, whose capabilities in responding to chemical, biological, radiological and explosive incidents were in place during the Olympic Games.