Defence and war spending still going through the roof

It's hard to keep track of Government spending on warfare (it's not appropriate to call it defence). The official figure is $32 billion for 2016-17 but there was an additional $142 billion over the budget forward estimates which presumably included the $50 billion submarines and maybe the $35 billion future frigates project. Not sure about the 'Virtual' Defence Innovation Hub which has an estimated costing of $640 million or additional operational funding of $690 million. Then there is the 72 F35 joint strike fighters which have been ordered. It's all 'monopoly money' to the politicians.

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