Australia's conservative opposition leader Dutton pledges defence boost if elected


FILE PHOTO: Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton listens during a visit to youth mental health foundation, Headspace, in Parramatta, Western Sydney, Australia, March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's conservative opposition party leader Peter Dutton, trailing in polls related to the May 3 election, has pledged to boost defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product within a decade, as the Trump administration pushes allies to spend more on security.

"You don't achieve peace through weakness," Dutton said in Western Australia state on Wednesday, outlining his Liberal Party's defence policy, echoing U.S. President Donald Trump's line of "peace through strength".

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