As a response to the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Morrison government announced $747m in funding to upgrade defence infrastructure in the north of Australia. This funding will mainly focus on upgrading the existing airfield in Tindal to address fuel shortages and the port of Darwin to allow the housing of additional and larger ships. The Australian-led and US-backed initiative is said to increase local infrastructure investment and help ensure Australia’s national security.
Produced By: Frank Augello
Featured In Story: Dr Marcus Hellyer – Senior Analyst and expert in Defence Economics and Budgets at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 28 April 2021