Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a)   notes that:

(i)   Canberra Airport currently displays large and prominent advertisements by some of the world's biggest weapons manufacturers,

(ii)   weapons of war are inappropriate images to greet visitors to our national capital, especially with direct international flights to Canberra to begin later in 2016, and

(iii)   Canberra and Australia should be identified to visitors as places of unique historical, natural and cultural attractions, and not as primarily concerned with war machinery;

(b)   congratulates the more than 1,500 citizens from Canberra and elsewhere who have petitioned Canberra Airport Management to remove the weapons advertisements; and

(c)   supports their campaign to remove the weapons advertisements.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for a short statement.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition opposes this motion. We believe in supporting a strong and sustainable defence industry. Rather than launching attacks on the legitimate advertising activities of businesses, the Greens might take the time to examine the opportunity for defence industry from the defence white paper and what it means for jobs and economic activity in Australia as well as our security. Alongside the 2016 Defence White Paper, the Turnbull government's new defence industry policy statement will build the partnership between Defence and industry so that we can deliver and support the ambitious defence capability plan set out in the white paper. It will also offer greater industry opportunities to build their innovation, productivity and international competitiveness as we deliver a more capable, agile and potent Australian Defence Force.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1055 be agreed to.