Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Edwards for this important question and I thank him for his continued advocacy for South Australian defence industry. He has been a powerful advocate of defence industry and made a dramatic intervention on that matter early last year.

May I begin by congratulating the Minister for Defence, Senator Payne, on the release of this white paper. It is the right strategy for a modern Australia in a more complex world. The white paper will see the government deliver a more capable, agile, potent Australian Defence Force that will be ready to respond wherever Australia's interests are engaged. Key to achieving this objective is this unprecedented partnership between the government and Australian defence industry, a partnership facilitated by a fully costed, externally assured, 10-year integrated investment program of $125 billion worth of investment in defence capability over the decade to 2025-26. Critically, for the first time, the defence white paper will bring together all areas of investment in capability and provides much greater transparency in industry's relationship with the government's defence procurement plans.

In contrast to the opposition, who led us through the valley of death when they were in government, we are supporting Australia's defence industry. Amongst other initiatives, we have reaffirmed the commitment to a continuous naval shipbuilding program—nine frigates and 12 offshore patrol vessels built here in Australia. The defence white paper is a real plan for our nation's security, backed by real funding. Fundamental to Australia's defence industry, it is achievable and affordable.