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

Indeed I can. North Korea's ongoing ballistic missile and nuclear weapons test only serve to reinforce the need to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Last week, Australia hosted Exercise Pacific Protector 2017 as part of an ongoing major international commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials. The Proliferation Security Initiative helps partner nations to build networks, tools and capabilities to counter illicit WMD-related trade across the globe.

Over 20 PSI nations from across the world participated in Exercise Pacific Protector 2017. These are exercises which send a clear signal to all proliferators that their activities are being monitored and that PSI participants are prepared to take action to stop them by enforcing national and international law. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a grave threat to regional and global security, and Australia is committed to working with like-minded nations to prevent their spread. (Time expired)