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

I know that senators will be very pleased to understand the extent of the impact of the investment in infrastructure of over $2 billion dollars in the Northern Territory. Northern Territory businesses, whether they are retail trade, transport, or recreational and other business services sectors will also strongly benefit. There was a 2013 study which indicated a rotation of 1,100 marines contributed an additional $5.6 million per year to the Northern Territory gross state product. In 2016 alone, it is expected over $7 million will be spent to support the marine rotation, and that will only grow as we progress and increase the initiatives in coming years. The US will use Australia's supplies of goods, products and services to the greatest extent practicable. We expect competitive tendering processes to offer opportunities for local and international suppliers. I think it has been very important to bring these negotiations to fruition. I was very pleased to announce the outcome, with the Secretary of Defence, Ash Carter in Washington last week— (Time expired)