Marles Must Come Clean on Future of 3RAR
Herbert MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Phillip Thompson says the Defence Minister must use his visit to Townsville to come clean about the future of 3RAR.
Mr Thompson said soldiers at the Lavarack Barracks-based mechanised battalion faced massive uncertainty after the Albanese Labor Government slashed the order for Infantry Fighting Vehicles from 450 to 129 on Monday.
He said the new number was only enough for one mechanised infantry battalion meaning the capability of the remaining two would be dramatically changed.
“Soldiers at 3RAR are telling me they’re seriously worried about their future after finding out about the cuts in the media on Monday during their Kapyong Day commemorations,” he said
“They’ve been waiting for these new IFVs for far too long, and that was made even worse by the delay on the decision which was due in September last year.
“Now they have no idea what their jobs are going to look like into the future because no one is telling them.
“Today the Deputy Prime Minister and part-time Defence Minister can only manage a flying visit for a 3pm press conference about building upgrades.
“He needs to show some respect for our local servicemen and women, spend some time speaking with them, and come clean to them about what their future holds.”
Mr Thompson said the Minister also needed to explain where the money for today’s base upgrade announcements was coming from.
“Just over a year ago I announced that the former Coalition Government would be investing $80M in upgrades for Townsville’s Defence bases,” he said.
“The Minister needs to explain whether today’s funding is new spending, or if it’s a re-announcement of the previous government’s policy.”
ENDS