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

Today on the front page of The Australian there was more concern that more defence manufacturing jobs will be lost. Again and again and again under this government we are losing vital defence manufacturing jobs. I am concerned about what this means for the Bendigo Thales facility. We are sweating and waiting on this government to sign the Hawkei contract. When will this government commit to the Hawkei contract and lock in those jobs? In Bendigo, we are waiting on this government to sign that contract. How many defence manufacturing jobs will be lost under this government? How many people will lose their jobs? What kinds of guarantees will this government give to the supply chain for these defence manufacturing jobs? The Bushmaster is an example of great defence manufacturing success. There are 120 companies involved in that supply chain, including a number of small businesses in my electorate. We are calling on this government to make the same commitment to small business— (Time expired)

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43 the time for members' statements has concluded.