James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The 2016 Defence White Paper detailed the government's plans to introduce armed medium-altitude unmanned aircraft in the early 2020s. These aircraft will provide enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to a range of missions, including counterterrorism missions overseas, while augmenting our surveillance capability for search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It is important to note that all unmanned aerial systems currently operated and being considered by Australia are remotely piloted. As such, there is always a human within the system. All unmanned aerial systems are required to meet stringent airworthiness requirements and follow strict operational guidelines to ensure the protection of other aviators and civilians on the ground. The coalition government has overseen the largest single expansion of our overseas diplomatic presence in 40 years. At 2016-17, Australia will deliver around $3.8 billion in development assistance, making Australia the 13th largest donor in the OECD.