Part 10/12:
The government’s recent “defense cookbook,” a taxpayer-funded initiative, drew criticism for its focus on food and nutrition rather than technological and military readiness. Air Marshal Leon Phillips, an advocate for increased defense capabilities, urged the government to prioritize missiles, frigates, and fighter jets over symbolic gestures like culinary initiatives.
Critics, including Peter Dutton and others, have called out the “woke agenda” within the Australian Defense Force (ADF), advocating for reforms to bolster military effectiveness rather than implementing politically correct policies. There are concerns that Australia’s current defense spending—around 2% of GDP—is insufficient compared to allies like NATO and the US, which have committed to higher levels of investment.