In today’s Gold Coast Bulletin I make the case for defence spending to reach at least 3% of GDP. “Three per cent of GDP is not excessive when measured against the strategic challenges ahead. It is the price of taking our own security seriously. Deterrence is cheaper than conflict. Preparedness is cheaper than panic. Strength is more likely to preserve peace than weakness. Australia is worth defending. Our schools should teach that. Our national culture should believe it. And our defence budget should prove it.”
