Conservative Leader Says Australia’s Defence Spending Should Rise to 5 Percent of GDP

‘You can actually cut back on duplication of health and also the education departments between federal and state. That’s a lot of savings,’ Hanson said.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson speaks at the National Press Club in Canberra, Australia on June 17, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Conservative-leaning One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says Australia’s defence budget should increase from around 3.5 percent of GDP to 5 percent.

The senator said funding the increase would come by dissolving several government departments and welfare programs.