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

I'm sure Senator Abetz is very capable of answering his own questions! In all seriousness, Defence is continuing to support our Pacific family to address the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work continues apace with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu on significant defence infrastructure projects in those nations that will enhance security and also provide much-needed economic stimulus and local employment opportunities in those nations. Those projects in those three countries alone are expected to create over 350 jobs in Papua New Guinea, 555 jobs in Fiji and 178 jobs in Vanuatu, with many more to come. Defence continues to deliver new Guardian class patrol boats throughout COVID-19, with eight to date to regional partners under the Pacific Maritime Security Program. In fact, Tonga received its second Guardian class patrol boat during a COVID-safe handover at Henderson in October. This program fundamentally supports regional sovereignty— (Time expired)