After years of decline, the budget gives more money for diplomacy and development capability. What does this mean in practice?
- Written by Melissa Conley Tyler, Honorary Fellow, Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne
Two weeks ago something extraordinary happened: defence recommended more funding for diplomacy.
The Defence Strategic Review – the key planning document for defence policy – recommended more funding for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
It said that national defence requires “the reversal of a long-term reduction...