Sam McMahon (NT, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Reynolds. Can the minister advise the Senate of the defence outcomes from the recent AUSMIN meetings with her US counterpart?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to 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.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McMahon, a supplementary question?

Sam McMahon (NT, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister update the Senate on the initiatives to deepen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?

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

Again, thank you, Senator McMahon. At AUSMIN we agreed to deepen regional cooperation. Our force-posture cooperation is a tangible demonstration of our shared interests and our mutual deep engagement in our region. The statement of principles re-established a working group to develop recommendations to advance cooperation both in Australia and in our shared region. A modified marine rotational force in Darwin has proceeded this year and it's gone very smoothly, despite the challenges of COVID-19. This is truly a testament to the adaptability and also the strength of our alliance. We continue to strengthen our shared ability to contribute to regional stability. Our alliance remains a major force for stability and security in our region.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McMahon, a final supplementary question?

Sam McMahon (NT, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline the defence industry outcomes secured during AUSMIN and how they will support Australian workers and help drive the road to economic recovery?

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

Thank you, Senator McMahon, for the question. I particularly thank you for your support for defence industry in the Northern Territory. A key priority was to secure new outcomes for Australian industry and also for Australian workers, outcomes that build on the 15,000 Australian businesses and 70,000 Australian workers already benefiting from our investment in defence. At AUSMIN we agreed to reduce barriers to industrial based integration, including Australian participation in US supply chains. There is no better example of this than the 50 Australian companies that are already contributing to the global F-35 program. On this side of the chamber, we are committed to further developing our bilateral defence trade and to working together on export controls. Greater maintenance repairs and overhaul of US platforms in Australia will mutually strengthen our capabilities and also our resilience.