Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying, Mr President, our defence industry in this country is at the cutting edge of technological development that delivers to the ADF—and in this case our naval capability in particular—the world-leading capacity that we need. That is why our commitments to the defence industry—set out, for example, in the Defence Industry Policy Statement and the white paper—are a key element of the Turnbull government's national economic plan to drive jobs and growth, to support the transition to the new 21st century economy. It is an economy that is technologically advanced, with an advanced defence manufacturing industry that will provide new high-tech jobs for decades to come and help to create a stronger, more capable Australian Defence Force. So our commitments to defence industry—to ensure that they can grow more expertise, employ more Australians and drive high-tech innovation—are what is going to deliver the 21st century economy in large part. (Time expired)