Deep Dive — Investigation 010
Defence: Follow the Record
38,928 speeches. $35.7M in related donations. What changed?
38,928
Speeches
815
MPs Spoke
$35.7M
Related Donations
1998–2025
Time Span
Why It Matters
For over two decades, Australian MPs have debated defence in Parliament. 38,928 speeches from 815 MPs tell a story of rhetoric that often outpaces legislative action.
38,928
Parliamentary speeches about defence
Hansard parliamentary record
815
Distinct MPs who spoke on defence
Hansard parliamentary record
$35.7M
In related industry donations to political parties
AEC annual returns
The parliamentary record on defence reveals a pattern common across Australian politics: passionate debate in the chamber paired with limited legislative progress. Understanding this gap is the first step toward accountability.
Parliamentary Debate Over Time
Speeches about defence peaked in 2003, driven by major policy debates of the era. The volume of parliamentary discussion has fluctuated significantly, often spiking around elections and key legislative moments.
Source: Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au)
Key Moments
The turning points, broken promises, and moments of progress.
Early Defence Debates
Parliamentary discussion of defence begins in earnest.
Ongoing debatePeak Parliamentary Interest
The year with the most speeches on defence, reflecting heightened public concern.
Heightened scrutinyCurrent State
Where the parliamentary debate on defence stands today.
Under reviewFollow the Dollar
A total of $35.7M in related donations flowed to political parties. The data reveals which industries have the deepest financial ties to the parties that shape policy on this issue.
Source: AEC annual returns. Amounts are declared donations only.
$14.7M
Total related donations received
$6.0M
Total related donations received
$4.4M
Total related donations received
Aust Defence Credit Union
$19.1M18 donations over 2011-12-2013-14
BRENCO AEROSPACE PTY LTD
$3.5M132 donations over 2020-21-2023-24
Wilson Security Pty Ltd
$3.2M6 donations over 2021-22-2021-22
Armstrong, Josephine C
$2.3M21 donations over 2007-2008-2010-2011
Ms Josephine C Armstrong
$1.9M9 donations over 2007-2008-2008-2009
AEROSPACE
$1.5M3 donations over 2019-20-2019-20
How They Actually Vote
Voting record scores from TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Higher percentage means more supportive of policy action on this issue.
Source: TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Scores based on parliamentary division voting records.
In Their Own Words
Direct quotes from the parliamentary record — sourced from Hansard.
2005-05-10
“Mr Baldwin asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 6 December 2004: During which years did Australian military personnel serve in Vietnam. How many Australian (a) Army, (b) Air Force, and (c) Navy personnel (i) in total,”Spoke FOR action
1999-09-21
“Mr Laurie Ferguson asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 22 June 1999: (1) What was the 1998-99 national recruitment target for the reservists for the (a) Navy, (b) Army and (c) Air Force. (2) How many reservists were”Spoke FOR action
2017-08-16
“On 2 July, I was honoured to attend and represent the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Prime Minister at the Reserve Forces Day parade and commemorative service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. I was joined by the Victorian shadow min”Spoke FOR action
2005-05-23
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware of reports today that almost one in three uniformed Army, Navy and Air Force personnel surveyed in the 2004 Defence attitude survey are looking to leave the armed forces, that more tha”Spoke FOR action
2021-10-18
“[by video link] I am very pleased to also speak to this motion and I thank the member for Ryan for bringing it forward. Although I did serve in the Australian Army, I wasn't a cadet, but I've seen firsthand here in my electorate the important role th”Spoke FOR action
2000-11-08
“Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mr Bruce Scott —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) (a) Navy: 29. (b) Army: 1566. (c) Air Force: 104. (2) (a) Navy: 132. (b) Army: 4 778. (”Spoke FOR action
Who Spoke Most?
The MPs who spoke most frequently on this issue. Speaking volume does not equal commitment to action.
Key Findings
What the Data Reveals
Automated analysis of speeches, votes, and donations — surfacing the patterns that matter.
What Can You Do?
This data is a tool for citizen engagement. Here is how you can act.
Contact Your MP
Tell your representative you care about defence policy.
Find your MP→Check Donation Records
See who funds your local member.
AEC Transparency Register→Read the Hansard
Read what your MP actually said about defence.
Parliamentary Hansard→Share This Investigation
Help others understand the gap between rhetoric and action.
Copy link→This investigation uses data from Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au), the Australian Electoral Commission transparency register, and TheyVoteForYou.org.au. All speech data is sourced from the official parliamentary record. OPAX is an independent, non-partisan project.