Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in this adjournment debate to celebrate the very significant defence industry investment the Morrison government is making in the Geelong region—the investment to build and sustain 30 self-propelled mobile howitzers—and to condemn the member for Corio, Mr Marles, for his continuing campaign against the most substantial defence manufacturing project to be based in our region.

Just before the federal election last year I was very proud to join the defence minister and my good friend, Senator Reynolds, to announce that a re-elected Morrison government would commit to this massive investment—around $1 billion-plus—to be located in the Geelong region. As we announced, these 30 self-propelled howitzers in Geelong will deliver up to 350 jobs and provide vital capability for the Australian Army. For those who aren't familiar with the howitzer, it is best described as a large tank on tracked wheels equipped with a very significant long-range firing capability. It is vital capability for our nation.

Just last Saturday, 22 February, the Geelong Advertiser published a front-page story entitled 'Massive misfire', with the subheading 'Geelong jobs pledge a patent lie that mugs voters, says opposition.' This is the latest attempt by Mr Marles to condemn the project in his attempt to undermine this massive manufacturing jobs investment for the region. Mr Marles was such a poor advocate for the people of Geelong that when we—

Senator Polley interjecting—