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

It is fabulous to see Senator Macdonald roaring around the corridors on his scooter as he pursues his recuperation and rehabilitation. I think he has driven it all the way down from Ayr, if I'm not mistaken. I particularly want to thank the senator for his question because his efforts in advocating for the interests of Queenslanders, particularly in regional Australia, are tireless, and I can assure the senator and the Senate that Defence's positive impact on both the Australian and the Queensland economy is certainly going to continue to increase. That's thanks to the very significant $200 billion investment that this government is making in defence capability in this country over the next decade. That includes long overdue investment in both bases and facilities, many of which, as you would know, are in regional Australia.

Queensland is a critical state when it comes to the defence of our nation. It is home to over 23,000 Defence personnel and a large number of key operational and support bases, many of which are close to the part of Queensland from which Senator Macdonald hails. As we bring into service new and larger capabilities—whether they're developments likes the boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle or the new offshore patrol vessels—we will upgrade facilities across the country. Our work will continue on the implementation of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, which is a $2.25 billion investment in Central and North Queensland. These projects will create enormous opportunities and flow-on benefits for local businesses right across Queensland, as well as hundreds of new jobs.

I'm very proud, as the Minister for Defence, to also be delivering the Local Industry Capability Plan. It is an initiative that will ensure local businesses and local trades have the best opportunity possible to get involved in these projects, to compete for the work and to deliver locally in terms of support to defence.