Through a series of reviews of strategic and defence policies in the 1990s, the Australian Government has developed a rigorous and detailed set of priorities for force development, training, operations and equipment acquisition which will shape the direction of defence planning well into the 21st century. This reassessment of priorities has initiated a period of major change for Australia's defence organisation, which will result in large-scale efficiency gains and enhanced combat capability as more and more uniformed personnel are shifted into 'pointy end' roles. The Government is committed to maintaining the Defence funding base. HMAS Jervis Bay, the Royal Australian Navy's fast lift catamaran, alongside Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin. The budget funding aims to give Australia the flexibility to respond at short notice to current and emerging events, while continuing to enhance the military capabilities of its Defence Force.
Coordination makes maximum use of national assets across government, industry and community.
Particular attention is being given to enabling industry to influence Defence where it counts most - at the capability definition stage of the procurement cycle. Projects in partnership with industry Australia's frontline F-111C strike aircraft have entered the digital age with major modifications designed to enhance their capability and maintain air superiority for another 20 years. The avionics update was a high-technology partnership between Australian industry, the Australian Defence Force and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Australian defence scientists play key roles in the technical cooperation teams of allied nations. One DSTO device generates 'virtual ships' which can explode mines that are triggered by acoustic or magnetic signals.