Gina Rinehart calls for defence spending to be increased to 5 per cent of GDP
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has called for the federal government to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP at an Anzac Day Eve event at the Sydney Opera House with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
The mining billionaire and Australia's richest person said the spending should be more than double the current level of 2.03 per cent of GDP.
'We are all especially privileged to be here this evening, as we are free from a war on our shores,' Ms Rinehart said.
'It is my belief we urgently need to do more to defend Australians, starting with protecting our ports, airports, sea lanes and other vital infrastructure, and significantly boosting our smart sea mines, war drones and Israeli-style domes accordingly, and boosting our defence manufacture here in Australia, as well as our budget to 5 per cent of GDP.
'Five per cent of GDP … like Europe is moving towards. I have so much more to say on this, at another time.'
Her comments come the day after Mr Dutton vowed to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent.
US President Donald Trump has called on allies to lift defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP. Rinehart has been a key supporter of Mr Trump.
Mr Dutton, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and former prime ministers Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and John Howard also attended the event.
'So much of our wealth and opportunity, underwritten by past generations of heroes and contributors, stands at risk from the modern aspirations of others, their modern behaviour, from modern realities hitherto remote from our shores, our interests, our treasures, our lives,' Ms Rinehart added.
'That sacrifice won us time and with hard work, investment, risk, common sense, reliable electricity, vision, and blessed with natural resources to underpin a high standard of living, Australia has become a remarkable, successful home blessed with opportunities for all Australians.'
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