David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Under the Labor government the share of GDP spent on Defence fell to 1.56 per cent, the lowest level since 1938. In 2012-13, Labor cut 10.5 per cent from the budget—the largest single cut Defence has endured since the Korean conflict. On Labor's watch the Australian Defence Industries shed more than 10 per cent of its workforce. Of course, we heard nothing from South Australian senators. Labor's careless disregard for Defence funding saw 119 projects delayed, 43 reduced and eight cancelled altogether. This is the level of mess that we inherited—no plans for Pacific patrol boats, frigates or submarines. (Time expired)