Louise Miller-Frost (Boothby, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry. How is the Albanese Labor government investing in Australia's defence industry? Why is it important to implement better policies for the future of this critical industry sector?

Pat Conroy (Shortland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member from the great defence state of South Australia. The truth is that the Albanese government is reshaping the Australian Defence Force to meet the challenges Australia faces. The government is supporting the Australian defence industry as a critical partner in delivering the capabilities the ADF need.

The government will invest record amounts into the Australian defence industry. We're lifting defence spending by 0.2 per cent of GDP above the current trajectory by the end of the decade. We're investing in nation-building projects to construct nuclear powered conventionally armed submarines in Australia. This will not only give the ADF the capability it needs; it will support Australian industry, jobs and the economy. It will create 20,000 high-skilled secure jobs. It stands in stark contrast to the Liberal Party that wanted them built in Japan and then were on and off again with the Attack class. And, as recently as March this year, the opposition leader—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will pause a moment. I'll hear from the Manager of Opposition Business.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I'm not sure if this minister wasn't listening when the earlier point of order was taken, which you upheld. Once again, we've got a commendably drafted question, but this minister is now ranging freely across matters which are not within the scope of the question, and he should be brought back to the question.

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Paterson is warned. I'll hear from the Leader of the House.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On the point of order, I draw your attention to the second half of the question which asked, 'Why is it important to implement better policies for the future?', which goes directly to 'better than what'. You can't describe something as being better without providing the comparison.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm going to listen carefully to the minister to make sure he is being relevant to that part of the question.

Pat Conroy (Shortland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As recently as March this year, the opposition leader was arguing that all the new submarines should be built in the United States, surrendering 20,000 Aussie jobs. We're not just increasing defence funding and capability investment but we're also spending that money wisely, guided by the priorities of the Defence Strategic Review, including on guided weapons. For the last two years, those on the opposite side talked about guided weapons, but what did they produce when they were in power? It was one thing—a single media release. By contrast, we've moved $1.5 billion into the forward estimates, and we'll be making missiles in this country in 2025. Australia will have a missile manufacturing industry in two years time, increasing our self-reliance and sovereignty.

Industry also needs clarity. We've done that through the Defence Strategic Review, and we'll build on this work in the upcoming Defence Industry Development Strategy. I'm also asked, 'Why it is important to have better defence industry policies?' The truth is that it's because we've inherited 10 years of neglect and mismanagement. When the opposition leader was defence minister, he left 28 major defence projects running a combined 97 years late and $6½ billion over project. He had a naval shipbuilding college that spent $114 million and trained zero Australians. By contrast, the Albanese government is taking defence and the defence industry seriously. We won't have a revolving door of ministers. Unlike those opposite, we've shown that we care more about capabilities for the ADF than photo-ops and empty promises.