5 March 2024
Statement on Additional Defence Portfolios
I am honoured to have been asked by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to serve in the roles of Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Personnel, in addition to my current role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence.
The sacrifices of the men and women who serve our nation in uniform every day should never be taken for granted. They need to be backed by the right support, and provided with the right capability to be able to do their job in defence of our nation.
Those who work to build that capability and ensure it’s in working order also need to be backed in by their government. Our defence industry should be thriving as we build up to face the increased threats to our nation.
Under the Albanese Labor Government, we’ve seen delay in decision-making, leading to unworkable uncertainty for defence industry and defence personnel.
It’s contributed to members leaving when we need them most, and a failure to meet recruitment targets.
That’s all on the backdrop of a part-time Defence Minister, whose department is running him.
I look forward to continuing to work with Andrew Hastie and the Coalition team to hold the Government to account and help develop a better way forward. I also look forward to continuing to serve the people of Townsville.
ENDS