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

I thank Senator McMahon for the question and also for her unwavering support for the ADF right across the Northern Territory. The United States and Australia are experiencing profound changes in our geostrategic circumstances. So now, more than ever, we must place a premium on ensuring our alliance continues to serve both our nations' interests. At AUSMIN this year, the foreign minister and I did that. We delivered outcomes to ensure the alliance is best placed to respond to challenges.

At AUSMIN, Secretary Esper and I agreed to three new outcomes. These build on our substantial engagements over the past year. Firstly, we signed a statement of principles on alliance defence cooperation and force posture priorities in the Indo-Pacific. This builds on our force-posture cooperation over the past decade and it will drive the next decade of our cooperation. Secondly, we announced our intent to develop a US funded, commercially operated strategic military fuel reserve in the Territory. This is a significant step in strengthening our supply chain resilience. Thirdly, we agreed to further deepen our defence science and technology cooperation. This includes hypersonics, electronic warfare and also space based capabilities. This will ensure the alliance maintains our capability edge.

Colleagues, our alliance is in great shape, but we can never, ever take it for granted. Both nations share a vision for a region that is secure and prosperous, one in which the sovereign interest of all states, large and small, are respected.