Australia will undertake a major overhaul of its defence bureaucracy to improve the efficiency of military spending and accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities, Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Monday.
Marles said the restructuring would address long-standing delays, duplication and administrative bottlenecks within the Defence Department, which have hindered procurement and slowed Australia’s efforts to modernise its armed forces.
The reform follows a series of reviews highlighting weaknesses in programme delivery, including delays in acquiring new naval vessels, missiles and defence infrastructure.
“We need a system that can deliver capability at the speed the current strategic environment demands,” Marles told reporters in Canberra. “This overhaul is about ensuring every dollar spent strengthens our defence posture.”
The minister said the changes would streamline decision-making, strengthen accountability across procurement agencies and align defence spending more closely with Australia’s strategic priorities, including deterrence and regional security.
Australia has been increasing defence investments under the AUKUS security pact with the United States and Britain, including plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and expand long-range strike capabilities.
Marles added that the reforms would begin immediately, with further details expected in early 2026 as the government prepares its next defence budget.
