Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

That is actually a very important question from Senator Back, and I appreciate his interest. What the new strategic framework for our defence policy focuses on is three strategic defence interests—that is to say, the outcomes we want—and three strategic defence objectives. It is, effectively, what we need our Australian Defence Force to be able to do to achieve those outcomes and to achieve our interests.

All three of the strategic defence objectives have guided the force structure and the force posture positions which are set out in this white paper. They are: to deter, deny and defeat attacks on or threats to Australia and its national interests and northern approaches; to make effective military contributions to support security and stability in our near region; and to contribute military capabilities to coalition operations that support Australia's interest in a rules based global order. This is a methodically and comprehensively prepared white paper that sets Australia up for the future.