Security and investment

Future Made in Australia

Supporting resilient metals production

The Government is capitalising on economic opportunities available through the net zero transition and working to ensure the continued success of our metals‑smelting capabilities into the future. This includes investing up to $1 billion in the Boyne Island Aluminium Smelter to secure its long‑term, lower emissions and renewables powered operations, with funding matched by the Queensland Government and unlocking almost $7.5 billion in private investment.

The Government is partnering with state governments to support critical facilities that contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity. This includes $222.6 million in further funding to support the administration and ongoing operations of the Whyalla Steelworks, as well as support for employees of the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter, while work progresses to find new owners for both facilities.

Securing critical minerals supply chains

Growing Australia’s critical minerals industry will help create diverse, resilient and sustainable global supply chains. The Government has delivered on its commitment to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. Future transactions under the Reserve will be led out of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, in close partnership with Export Finance Australia. The Reserve will initially focus on antimony, gallium and rare earth elements which are crucial for clean energy and high‑technology manufacturing, as well as advanced military equipment.

The Reserve will draw on $1 billion from the previously expanded $5 billion Critical Minerals Facility for transactions. The Government is also providing $150 million for selective stockpiling of minerals and $20.4 million to support the operation of the Reserve. To complement these efforts and ensure Australia can be a reliable supplier of critical minerals, the Government is providing $2.9 million to support delivery of Australia’s international critical minerals commitments.

A record funding boost for defence

Bolstering Australia’s defence capability

The Government is delivering the defence capabilities Australia needs to ensure a secure and prosperous future. The 2026 National Defence Strategy provides an additional $53 billion over the next ten years through direct government investment and plans to leverage private sector funding. These investments will:

• increase the ADF’s ability to deter and respond to threats
• build a more self‑reliant ADF for the future
• strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base
• increase coordination with our regional partners.

The 2026 Integrated Investment Program supports the National Defence Strategy by providing new and increased investment over the decade in high priority Defence capabilities, including:

• up to $130 billion on enhanced undersea warfare capabilities, supported by a fleet of conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines
• up to $15 billion on autonomous and uncrewed systems, such as the Australian designed and built Ghost Bat and smaller, low‑cost drones for deployment in large numbers
• up to $77 billion to deliver the enhanced surface combatant fleet and fleet support, including upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigates and Hunter class anti‑submarine frigates
• an initial $12 billion to establish the Henderson Defence Precinct as a world class centre of excellence for naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia.

Building infrastructure for the future

Sustainable investment in transport infrastructure

The Government is maintaining a rolling infrastructure pipeline of more than $120 billion over ten years, with short‑term profile adjustments in response to the effects of the Middle East conflict and potential constraints on capacity. This Budget includes over $8.6 billion for new and ongoing nationally significant projects.

Working in partnership with every state and territory, the Government’s infrastructure pipeline will deliver the road and rail projects needed across our cities and communities. This includes:

• $812.5 million in this Budget for the Bruce Highway upgrade between the Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road in Queensland
• $45 million for safety improvements to the M1 in New South Wales
• $500 million over ten years to continue the Active Transport Fund
• $50 million to upgrade the Sydney to Canberra rail corridor.

It also includes $3.8 billion for Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop East, bringing the Government’s total commitment to $6.0 billion. This landmark project will enable more transport and homes in the right places – cutting travel times, reducing congestion and reshaping how Melbourne grows.

In addition, the Government is making targeted freight and supply chain investments that will support the efficient movement of goods around the country. This includes $1.75 billion in equity for the Australian Rail Track Corporation to upgrade Australia’s rail freight network.

Investing in communities

The Government is providing a further $841.7 million in community infrastructure, including through the Thriving Suburbs, Growing Regions and Stronger Communities programs. This will fund projects such as libraries, parks, community centres and sport and cultural facilities that enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and enrich quality of life at a local level.

Support for disasters

The Government continues to support communities impacted by disasters. Funding for natural disaster relief is expected to increase by $2.5 billion.

Responding to the Bondi attack

Supporting victims and impacted communities

Together with the NSW Government, we have committed $21.7 million in Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support the Bondi community. Support includes:

• $2 million for Jewish community organisations
• $1 million for legal services
• up to $25,000 for local small businesses, and
• $2.8 million for up to eight coordinators to support the local community and provide capacity building.

The Government has invested $42.9 million in mental health supports for the Jewish community and the broader Bondi community, including an interim Medicare Mental Health Centre in Bondi, which is providing free, walk‑in mental health support.

Countering hate speech, terrorism and violent extremism

The Government is addressing hate speech, violent extremism and terrorism, committing $604.2 million to initiatives in response to the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack. This includes:

• $36.1 million for stronger hate crime and firearms laws
• continued work to progress the National Gun Buyback Scheme through National Cabinet, and
• more funding to disrupt politically and ideologically motivated violence and hate crimes.

Support for Jewish Australians

The Government accepted all recommendations relevant to the Commonwealth from the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and has committed to working with states and territories on a nationally consistent approach to implementing all 14 recommendations.

The Government adopted the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism and is implementing the 13 recommendations in consultation with the Jewish Australian community and the Special Envoy.

The Government is also providing $46.7 million in financial support to the wider Jewish community, including for security and infrastructure upgrades and grant opportunities to support priority projects, including for a Chabad of Bondi project.