A significant political debate over Australia's defence spending has erupted following a Remembrance Day address by retired Major General Greg Melick, with the former military leader facing personal attacks from ex-Prime Minister Paul Keating.
Veteran's Service Questioned in Defence Spending Row
Major General Greg Melick AO RFD ED, who served Australia for more than 50 years from 1966 until 2018, became the target of rare public criticism from Mr Keating after using his Remembrance Day platform to advocate for increased defence expenditure. The retired officer, who rose to become Australia's most senior Reserve officer in 2007 and recently completed his tenure as RSL President after six and a half years, was labelled 'a dope' by the former Labor leader.
Melissa Price, Liberal Party MP and Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, has condemned the personal attacks against the respected veteran, stating that Keating's comments demonstrated a failure to recognise Australia's current strategic challenges.
Growing Security Threats Demand Response
The controversy comes amid increasing security concerns in the region, with defence officials confirming the strategic environment is at its most dangerous since the Second World War. On the same day as Keating's criticism, ASIO Director General Mike Burgess revealed that China is conducting multiple attempts to penetrate critical Australian infrastructure, including water, transport, telecommunications and energy networks.
Ms Price emphasised that calls for increased defence spending to at least 3 per cent of GDP are about conflict prevention rather than provocation. 'This isn't about getting us into a war, it's about preventing it,' she stated, referencing the ancient concept of 'if you want peace, prepare for war' and Ronald Reagan's 'Peace Through Strength' doctrine.
Defence Capability Gaps Raise Concerns
Evidence of defence funding shortfalls has emerged, with reports that under the Albanese Government, dozens of workers maintaining RAAF's F-35 fighter jets have been redeployed as part of defence austerity measures. Service chiefs have reportedly warned that sustainment budgets are being slashed, leaving critical platforms exposed.
'What is the purpose of having multi-million-dollar equipment if it's not properly maintained and ready for use at a moment's notice?' Ms Price questioned, highlighting the importance of maintaining a ready force for deterrence and response capabilities.
Despite attending the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, the Shadow Minister expressed concerns that defence industry opportunities are becoming narrowly focused on submarines at the expense of other critical capabilities like missiles, drones, cyber systems and undersea technology.
The government's response to Major General Melick's concerns has drawn additional criticism, with Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh suggesting Remembrance Day wasn't the appropriate time for such discussions, despite many government figures appearing more focused on the anniversary of the Whitlam dismissal.
As Australia faces what defence experts describe as the most challenging strategic environment in decades, the debate over adequate military funding continues to divide political leaders and defence commentators alike.
