Cathy O'Toole (Herbert, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I stand here today to fight for Queensland jobs and to make it loud and clear in Canberra. Queensland wants the Land 400 contract and we are ready for it. Land 400 would not only mean jobs in manufacturing but sustainable jobs in maintenance. I have met with numerous stakeholders and local veterans on the ground and everyone in Herbert has their eye on the prize of the Defence maintenance contract. Trust me, I will be a dog with a bone until we get it. Land 400 must go to Queensland and the maintenance contracts must go to Townsville. We are the largest garrison city in Australia. Not only will I be fighting for the maintenance contract but I will also be ensuring that, as part of that program, there are employment opportunities for our transitioning veterans. This transitioning policy will be pivotal to Herbert veterans and I will fight to ensure that it is delivered. I call on the Turnbull government to deliver the Land 400 contract to Queensland and the Defence maintenance contract to Herbert.