RSL Warns Strategic Urgency Must Translate Into Delivery, As Government Bolsters Investment In Defence Capability
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has acknowledged the Federal Government’s increased investment in Defence capability and national resilience in the 2026-27 Budget but says Australia can no longer afford delays in translating strategic intent into tangible capability outcomes.
The Budget includes an additional $6.8 billion over four years from 2026-27, and $35.6 billion over 10 years, to support delivery of the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.
This forms part of a broader increase in Defence investment of $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade to strengthen Australia’s military capability, preparedness, sovereign industrial base, and resilience.
RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM, said the investment reflected growing recognition that Australia faces an increasingly uncertain and contested strategic environment.
“RSL Australia has consistently argued that Australia’s deteriorating strategic outlook requires urgent and sustained investment in Defence capability, workforce, preparedness and national resilience,” Mr Tinley said.
“The Government’s increased Defence investment is welcome and demonstrates recognition that time is no longer on our side.
“The strategic warning time Australia once relied upon has narrowed significantly. The challenge now is ensuring this investment translates into real capability at the speed the strategic environment demands.”
Mr Tinley said Defence funding must remain focused on delivering practical capability outcomes – including strengthening the Australian Defence Force, supporting sovereign defence industry, improving recruitment and retention, and building Australia’s long-term self-reliance.
“The men and women of the Australian Defence Force cannot deter conflict with strategies and announcements alone,” he said. “They need the platforms, infrastructure, workforce, sustainment systems and industrial backing required to deliver credible capability.”
RSL Australia also welcomed the Government’s significant investment in implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, describing it as critical to driving long-term cultural and systemic reform across the Defence and veteran ecosystem.
“The Royal Commission made clear that improving the health and wellbeing of serving and ex-serving personnel must remain a national priority,” Mr Tinley said. “Defence’s most important capability is its people. Sustained investment in their health, wellbeing and support systems is essential not only for veterans and families, but for the future strength and readiness of the Australian Defence Force itself.”
From a broader national security perspective, the League also welcomed the Government’s $10 billion investment in immediate fuel supplies and a permanent Australian Fuel Security Reserve, describing fuel resilience as a critical national vulnerability that must be addressed.
However, the organisation expressed disappointment at the effective scuppering of the Inland Rail project, noting the strategic importance of resilient national freight and logistics corridors in any future crisis or conflict scenario.
“National resilience is about more than military platforms alone,” Mr Tinley said. “Fuel security, sovereign industry, supply chains and strategic logistics infrastructure all underpin Australia’s ability to sustain Defence operations and respond to national emergencies.”
RSL Australia applauded the Government’s continued focus on growing Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base and improving national resilience, including investment in the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia – as well as on strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing transformation of the ADF into an integrated and focused force.
The League said Defence capability could not be viewed in isolation from the people who serve.
“A capable Defence Force depends on the recruitment, retention and wellbeing of the people who wear the uniform,” Mr Tinley said. “As Australia asks more of its sailors, soldiers and aviators in an increasingly complex strategic environment, we must ensure current and former serving members – and their families – are properly supported during and after service.”
RSL Australia acknowledges the 2026 National Defence Strategy builds on substantial Defence investments announced by the Federal Government since 2024 – including an additional $30 billion over the forward estimates and $117 billion over the decade to strengthen Australia’s military capability, preparedness, and resilience.
It understands total Defence portfolio funding is projected to reach $887 billion to 2035-36, including significant investment to accelerate delivery of an integrated and focused force designed to improve Australia’s self-reliance, strengthen sovereign capability, and contribute to regional deterrence.