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

It's true to say that our economic and our security interests remain inextricably linked with the countries of South-East Asia, and strong ASEAN security architectures are vital to long-term regional stability and security. As the strategic complexity of our region increases, ASEAN will need to find new and better ways to build a consensus to meet those diverse challenges. The best way for us to defend against those challenges is, indeed, by strengthening regional cooperative mechanisms. That's why we are increasing our regional defence engagement and working to strengthen those regional frameworks. They are frameworks which complement our already strong bilateral defence partnerships. Our defence planning reflects the importance that the Turnbull government places on these pieces of regional security architecture, and we'll continue to maintain Australia's commitment to constructive regional dialogue and practical cooperation, and continue to contribute ADF assets, expertise and personnel to regional military exercises.