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

Indeed, we are focused on measures to address violent extremist organisations in this region, as I adverted to in my previous answer. We are also working through the alliance more broadly to make a significant contribution to regional security. During the consultations the secretary and I affirmed our joint commitment to fully implement the Force Posture Initiatives in northern Australia. It is a very valuable opportunity to not only improve the capability of our own forces, but also to improve our ability to respond to regional crises and to deepen our Defence engagement with regional militaries. In fact, during the current marine rotation we will conduct approximately 10 major exercises, and, in that context, engage a range of our regional neighbours including China, Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand. In 2017 we have also seen the commencement of the Enhanced Air Cooperation initiative, which will further increase our air interoperability with the United States. Out of this and our other activities, we will continue to work together with our partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific to ensure stability and prosperity of our region. (Time expired)