1. Background and conduct of the inquiry
   1. The Defence Subcommittee (the Subcommittee) of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (the Committee) is empowered under its resolution of appointment to conduct inquiries into annual reports of certain agencies.[1]
   2. On Wednesday, 15 November 2023 the Committee resolved that the Subcommittee conduct an inquiry into the Defence (comprised of the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force (ADF)) Defence Annual Report 2022-23.[2]
   3. Key themes of the inquiry’s focus (and chapters of this report) include:

• Assistance to Ukraine. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was the most significant hostile act against a European country since the end of World War II. The international community of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and non-NATO contributors, including Australia, are continuing to aid Ukraine’s efforts in its fight to retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Subcommittee was interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focussed on platforms, munitions and the contribution to Operation KUDU, which is the ADF commitment to the training of Ukrainian recruits in the United Kingdom.
• Defence health system. A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for Australia’s serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the National Defence:Defence Strategic Review 2023 (2023 DSR).[3] This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the Subcommittee looked at Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent Auditor-General Report No.24 2022-23 Defence’s management of the Delivery of Health Services to the Australian Defence Force. The focus of this line of inquiry included the general architecture of uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers.
• Capability assurance mechanism. It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including acceptance of new capability into service. During the inquiry, the Subcommittee reviewed Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how it impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Weapons related issues. AI and Autonomous Weapons have an ever-increasing role within militaries worldwide. From systems capable of predictive analysis, to platforms that can prosecute targets without human intervention, careful consideration is warranted as Defence continues to evolve its capabilities by integrating emerging technologies. During the inquiry, the Subcommittee examined the role of AI and autonomous weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally.
• Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory. The 2023 DSR referenced the importance of Australia possessing a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the sea, land and air domains. The Australian Government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed Head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance. During the inquiry the Subcommittee examined the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict.
  4. The Subcommittee received 14 submissions and held three public hearings during the inquiry. This report, the Hansard transcripts and submissions are available on the Committee’s website.

Footnotes

[1]Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, ‘Resolution of Appointment’, House of Representatives Votes and Proceedings, No 1, 26 July 2022, p. 18.

[2]Department of Defence (Defence), Defence Annual Report 2022-2023, https://www.defence.gov.au/about/accessing-information/annual-reports, viewed 12 September 2024.

[3]Defence, National Defence: Defence Strategic Review 2023, https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review, viewed 13 September 2024.