Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

This is one of the many aspects of our defence industry policies that I'm so proud of. The Morrison government is making it easier for local businesses to get involved in delivering this $8 billion of investment pipeline over the coming decade in the Northern Territory. This government's local industry capability initiative announced in Darwin, in 2017, by the then minister, Minister Payne, continues to deliver valuable opportunities for local businesses. Since the implementation of this initiative, the average local engagement target for major infrastructure projects has been 79 per cent. We have now met this, and it is now over 80 per cent. The Morrison government remains committed to ensuring the delivery of the best capability for the ADF, investing in infrastructure and supporting a local defence industrial base in the Northern Territory.