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

I'm really sorry that those opposite are not really paying attention, because this is about Australian jobs and Australian industry for the long term. This morning, Minister Price and I announced a wonderful example of how our Australian defence industry, supported by this government, is creating more jobs for Australian workers and supporting our comeback from COVID-19.

BAE Systems recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees, following the closure of Jetstar's aircraft maintenance facility near Newcastle. These highly skilled recruits have commenced training to help sustain Australia's growing fleet of Joint Strike Fighter and Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft. I was so happy to meet two of them this morning, Ben and Colin. These technical workers have been retained in the Hunter aviation industry. They're now helping Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability, as our fleet continues to grow. (Time expired)