Article by Mitch Clarke, courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
24.04.2025
Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has called for a radical increase in defence spending at an event alongside Peter Dutton in Sydney – calling for the Coalition to go much further than its election promise to pour another $21bn into Australia’s military.
Ms Rinehart – Australia’s richest person – led speeches at the Anzac Day Eve event at the Sydney Opera House, dramatically calling for defence funding to increase to 5 per cent of GDP.
Mr Dutton has promised to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade, but the Coalition denies this was prompted by US President Donald Trump’s demands for its allies to spend more on defence.
“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 need to urgently do more to protect Australians.”
Peter Dutton’s campaign entourage flew into Sydney for the Anzac Day Eve commemoration this afternoon.
The Opposition Leader said “every Australian today is a beneficiary of the collective service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform”.
“Our memorials across the country, small and humble, large and iconic, pay tribute to the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” he said.
“Behind every name, honour roll, memorial or grave is a person and behind every person is a story. Behind every story is a family.
“Our soldiers, sailors and airmen left behind loved ones, livelihoods and of course lives of aspiration.
“There was valour in every act of service, but there was tragedy too in every life lost quickly or in agony on the battlefield, and in those who survived the hell of war only to return home to live with the hell of wounds received in body and mind.”
After his comments, Mr Dutton laid a wreath alongside Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, acting NSW Premier Prue Car and NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.
