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

Thanks, Senator Henderson, for that question. Can I be very clear to all in this chamber: COVID-19 will not affect funding for the government's $200 billion investment in defence capability, nor will it prevent defence expenditure reaching two per cent of GDP next financial year, which is three years earlier than we promised in 2013. I'm working with Defence to ensure we adapt to the current environment and continue to find innovative ways of doing business during this time. Let me remind all of you in this chamber that, in our six years of government, we've commissioned the Australian build of 63 naval vessels, including 12 Attack-class submarines, and this is backed up with real funding. Under our plan, we have already delivered six naval vessels, with another nine under construction in both Perth and Adelaide. This investment is ensuring our ADF personnel are provided with the capability they need to keep them safe. (Time expired)