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

I thank Senator McLachlan for that question and for his support for defence industry in particular. The first role of the Australian government is to keep Australia and all Australians safe. The stark fact, though, is that today, at the same time that we are facing a pandemic-induced economic shock, our region is facing the most consequential strategic realignment since the end of World War II.

Our national interests are being challenged more directly and, therefore, we are demanding and we need a clear-eyed prioritisation of our Defence forces. That is why, on my appointment as Minister for Defence, I set three priorities for the Defence portfolio: strategy, capability and reform. The 2020 Defence Strategic Update and accompanying Force Structure Plan are timely and comprehensive and have been well received. These documents addressed my first two priorities, strategy and capability. They demonstrate that Defence thinking and planning have shifted gears in response to the changes in our strategic environment.

I have set three new military effects-based strategic objectives for Defence. The first is to shape our strategic environment. The second is to deter actions against Australian interests. The third is to respond with credible military force when required. This government's clear-eyed approach demonstrates to Australians that their security and their prosperity are our first priority. In relation to my third priority, reform, Defence must continue to adapt and transform to ensure that we align strategy and capability with our financial resources. I will be making further announcements on the direction of that transformational work later this year.