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

Thank you very much, Mr President. I can confirm for those opposite that I have enjoyed the opportunity, as I said at the beginning of my answer, to work very closely with the member for Capricornia and the member for Flynn on these issues and indeed with the Deputy Prime Minister and with the Prime Minister. This is an important announcement today, because it enables Defence to continue with the master planning process. The work that was done in consultation following my last visit to Rockhampton, which was two weeks ago as I said, and the Deputy Prime Minister's visit on Friday to meet with local representatives, which is also important feedback, and I had met with some of the same people—has resulted in today's announcement. It enables Defence to continue with the master planning process and it enables the development to be progressed as it should be.