Peter Lindsay (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I support the motion because it is in Australia’s interests, it is in the interests of the Australian Defence Force and it is certainly in the interests of the 3rd Brigade and the 5th Aviation Regiment, which are based at RAAF Townsville. Over the last couple of decades, virtually all of Australia’s overseas deployments have come out of Townsville. This is where the assets need to be located, and the new heavy troop lift helicopter is no different. It will work with the 3rd Brigade and its commander, Brigadier Michael Slater, and the commander of 5th Aviation Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Prictor. This is a good facility for Townsville; there is another $20 million being invested in defence infrastructure in our city. Our community, and Townsville enterprise, warmly welcome the government’s intention, provided parliamentary approval is obtained to go ahead with this project. I thank the Special Minister of State for the introduction and referral of this proposed work, and I certainly warmly support it.

See this speech in context