Inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022-23

THE Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022-23.

Defence Subcommittee Chair, Brendan O’Connor MP, said, "This inquiry examined Australia’s assistance to Ukraine, the Defence health system, Defence’s Capability Assurance Mechanism, Artificial Intelligence and autonomous weapons and armaments manufacture, procurement and inventory.

"Australia’s strategic environment is rapidly evolving with rising global tensions and potentially reduced warning time for conflict. In response Australia is investing in Indo-Pacific partnerships and deepening engagement across with our allies around the world," Mr O'Connor said.

"A cornerstone of our approach remains our unwavering support for Ukraine. This support is critical to Ukraine’s defence and to the need for a stable, rules-based international order. Australia’s support to Ukraine must be carefully coordinated and sustained for the long-term.

"The subcommittee believes a 'Ukraine lens' should be applied to the decision-making process around the retirement of equipment from military service. This will allow more effective planning and provide time to ensure Australia’s ongoing compliance with international agreements and treaties. Furthermore, transparency in the decision-making process is essential.

"Australia’s training contributions to Ukraine through Operation KUDU have proven highly successful. We are committed to continuing our support for the training of both Ukrainian forces and civilians to enhance their resilience.

"The subcommittee believes there is a strong case for reopening Australia’s embassy in Kyiv, as a physical diplomatic presence would strengthen our bilateral ties with Ukraine and align us with the 70 other nations that have reopened their embassies," Mr O'Connor said.

"The inquiry also identifies challenges facing Defence and its health services contractor in providing healthcare services to over 60,000 personnel across various Defence units. Staffing shortages and delays in medical appointments remain ongoing concerns.

"The 2023 Defence Strategic Review and the 2024 National Defence Strategy provide a clear roadmap for addressing the challenges facing Defence. The focus on minimum viable capabilities, timely delivery, and allocated funding, Defence will be able to meet its objectives and build the Integrated Force of 2031. The subcommittee also reviewed Defence’s capability assurance systems recognising that the cyber and space worthiness systems are still in development.

"Australia finds itself facing an elevated risk of state-on-state conflict. To meet these challenges head-on, the Australian Government, in collaboration with our AUKUS partners, is prioritising the development and acquisition of asymmetric capabilities, including autonomous weapons systems. Such technologies will empower the Australian Defence Force to project influence and ensure our capacity for impactful and proportionate action in any scenario.

"Rapid advancements in AI and computing will continue to shape the future of weapon systems. As we develop and acquire new capabilities, it is essential that we fully integrate artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems to ensure they meet the requirements of our defence strategy, while also remaining committed to the principle that all capabilities must be fully compliant with international humanitarian law. Australia should continue contributing to international discussions on AI policy, and we must stay informed of evolving international law and policy developments.

"The subcommittee acknowledged the need to strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities and our reliance on international supply chains, particularly around munitions. While challenges remain, the subcommittee is confident that Defence’s ongoing efforts to improve its systems and capabilities will position Australia’s defence for long-term success.

"To finish, I would like to thank the Deputy Chair, Andrew Wallace MP, and other members of the subcommittee for their contributions to this inquiry. I also extend my thanks to the former Chair, Julian Hill MP, for his critical contributions to the inquiry as the former chair of the subcommittee. I thank the Committee Secretariat and the significant support from Defence in briefing the subcommittee and supporting its site visits in Queensland and Victoria.’

The Defence Subcommittee’s recommendations are for:

• Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to establish a dedicated 'one-stop-shop' – to streamline Australia’s efforts to support Ukraine to ensure that we are more efficient and effective when providing assistance going forward.
• The Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publish a summary of its decision-making processes, enabling the public to understand the rationale behind these decisions and increasing trust in our actions.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to re-open Australia’s embassy in Kyiv inclusive of an Australian military attaché.
• Defence and its health contractor to investigate delays with the provision of medical specialist services and take steps to ensure timely service delivery that meets the needs of our personnel.
• Defence address shortcomings with cyber and space worthiness systems.
• Defence establish test and evaluation frameworks, ensuring systems are thoroughly validated before deployment. Additionally, we must address challenges such as automation bias and ensure that our personnel are trained to understand the limitations of these new technologies.
• Defence to continue adhering to the requirements of Article 36 of the Geneva Conventions and other relevant international obligations as we develop, acquire, and deploy new defence technologies.
• In order to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities in times of conflict or other disruptions Defence sourcing more components domestically.
• Defence to develop a transparent reporting framework for Guided Weapons Explosive Ordnance stock holdings to allow for the tracking of progress and enhancements to Australia’s self-reliance in munitions production.

Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website.

 

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