MEDIA RELEASE
24 March 2026
Labor’s Defence Failure Leaves Australia Exposed
Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM, has warned that the Albanese Government is failing Australia’s servicemen and women by refusing to urgently lift defence spending despite escalating global threats.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Thompson highlighted the recent strike near Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, where Australian Defence Force personnel are stationed.
“Last week, an Iranian projectile struck near an Australian-linked base. Accommodation and medical facilities were damaged. Thankfully, no personnel were injured but the message is clear: the world is becoming more dangerous, faster than this Government is acting.”
He described Labor’s current approach as dangerously complacent.
“This is not theoretical or abstract. Our personnel are facing real risks overseas, yet the Government tells Australians that what they are doing is enough. It is not.”
Despite headline announcements, defence spending remains stuck at around 2 per cent of GDP, with the 2025–26 budget at approximately 2.05 per cent, and even the Government’s own long-term projections reaching only 2.3 per cent by 2033–34.
“In a far more dangerous world, that is not urgency it is drift,” Thompson said.
The concerns of veterans and defence advocates are mounting. The Port Macquarie RSL Sub-Branch warned of serious issues around defence spending, recruitment, and morale, while RSL Australia has called for spending to rise to 2.5 per cent of GDP immediately, moving to 3 per cent within 12 months, alongside stronger investment in recruitment, retention, and readiness.
“You can’t deter aggression with slogans. You can’t recruit with spin. You can’t ask Australians to wear the uniform without giving them the tools, the numbers, the support, and the certainty they deserve,” Thompson said.
The strike near Al Minhad should serve as a warning.
“If our people can be placed in harm’s way overseas, Parliament has a duty to ensure they are properly protected, equipped, and backed. That means real investment, urgency, and rebuilding capability — not political comfort,” he said.
Thompson concluded by emphasising the clear choice between strength and weakness.
“Peace is preserved through strength. Right now, Labor is asking Australia to accept weakness.”
ENDS