Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

People in this place know that I am a big fan and supporter of the Bendigo-built Bushmaster. It is a vehicle that is credited with saving Australian men and women in the armed forces, not just in Afghanistan but in all conflicts. It is making a huge difference in Ukraine. Our government and the previous government are in the process of gifting up to 90 Bushmasters to Ukraine. They are making a difference. We were quite pleased, less than two weeks ago, to welcome to Bendigo the Prime Minister, who made time to come and thank the men and women who build the Bushmasters. He visited the site on Friday the 27th, met with the workers and thanked them for what they do. Whilst at the site, we were able to see the Bushmasters that we're building for New Zealand. They will soon go to New Zealand, which is a great demonstration of how well this vehicle is doing. Not only is it helping in Ukraine, not only is it a vehicle that is saving the lives of Australian men and women; countries like New Zealand are now purchasing our Bushmasters. I want to thank the Prime Minister for taking the time to meet the men and women who build the Bushmaster. They are very proud of what they do and the contribution that they are making. This is a good story. It's local jobs, helping local people. We want to see more of it.

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