Yep as a % of GDP - it’s heading to 2.3% next year which will be the highest since 1986.My apologies these are my views and mine alone. And therefore am entitled to express them. Do I have proof no I don't. But I'll be more than happy to have this conversation with you in 6 months. Spending heading to levels not seen since the cold war? Please show me some figures because I cant find them. If you mean the spending that the last administration put in place well as far as I know it may sit at 2.2% of GDP but what I do know is that there will be no increases for the next four years so much for strategic urgency. As far as I see it, this DSR has gone backwards its a nothing document written by a couple of hacks whose claim to fame happen to be the worst defence minister in 50 years assisted by the worst CDF in 50 years.
No disputes from me that the trajectory was set by the previous lot - I think Pyne and Dutton both did a bunch of good things - but the current Gov have continued and built upon this spending despite a significant deterioration in the fiscal position.
Also no disputes that the document was very light on detail, but the Land 400 / SPH cuts were the only ones of substance In aware of, and there is a huge amount of ambiguity remaining in how the principles set out in the DSR will be put into practice. Maybe the classified version has all the answers, or maybe it’s a steaming pile of shit, but based on what’s in the public domain I don’t think you can conclude either way.