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

I am very pleased to get a constructive question from Senator Hume in relation to one of the government's key priorities, in which I know she has a strong interest. I can advise the Senate that the government is, as I indicated to Senator Whish-Wilson earlier, further strengthening Australia's ability to protect our maritime interests through the acquisition of the first of six MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft. These aircraft are a game changer for defence and a game changer for defence capability. Our maritime area covers approximately 10 per cent of the earth's service, which makes the provision of maritime patrol and response across such a vast area certainly a challenging exercise. The Triton is going to be capable of missions of over 24 hours on station while covering an area of over one million nautical square miles, which is equivalent to about the size of Western Australia, in one activity. It will provide Australia with a significantly enhanced ability to conduct search operations across significant areas of Australia's primary maritime areas of interest, including the Indian, Pacific and Southern oceans. Of note, the Triton is the first high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely-piloted aircraft system to be operated by the Australian Defence Force. It is important to note that there will always be a human remotely piloting these aircraft.

I am also pleased to advise that around $364 million will be invested into new facilities and infrastructure which will be constructed at RAAF Base Edinburgh and RAAF Base Tindall. The investment is further proof of the Turnbull government's commitment not just to creating a more capable Australian Defence Force but also to Australia's long-term security and our commitment to regional security and stability.