Dutton Pledges $21 Billion Defence Boost to Protect Against Future Threats

Dutton says the Coalition will fund its defence plan by axing Labor’s recurring spending, including the stage-three tax cuts.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at the Liberal Party Campaign Launch at the Liverpool Catholic Club in Prestons, western Sydney on day 16 of his 2025 Federal Election Campaign in the seat of Werriwa, Sunday, April 13, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Coalition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged a $21 billion increase in military funding, vowing to dramatically lift spending if his party wins the May 3 federal election.

The opposition leader said the spending is essential to deal with global instability, warning that Australia faces the most uncertain security environment since World War II.