Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the Government's recent announcement that it plans to spend $730 million on the Next Generation Technologies Fund, which has been touted as a "war chest" to help create "super troops" in the Australian Defence Force,

(ii) the Government's cognitive dissonance in committing nearly three quarters of a billion dollars to defence flights of fancy while maintaining the mantra that Australia needs to "live within its means", and

(iii) the Government's cuts to schools, hospitals and investments in public infrastructure, and its proposed cuts to Australia's social safety net; and

(b) calls on the Australian Government to spend $730 million on schools, hospitals and public infrastructure, as well as protecting and enhancing Australia's social safety net, rather than a slush fund for unnecessary and wasteful military spending.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government's investment of $730 million over 10 years through the Next Generation Technologies Fund, NGTF, is an unprecedented opportunity that can deliver high-impact future capabilities for Defence by tapping into the talent and innovation in Australia's industry and academic institutions. The NGTF will commit to research and the application of science to develop new technologies that have transformational capabilities for Defence. The NGTF will serve as a crucible for creating game-changing technologies through research and new technologies. Those that prove promising will transition to the Defence Innovation Hub for further development into Defence capabilities.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that notice of motion No. 261 moved by Senator Ludlam be agreed to.

The Senate divided. [17:10]

(The President—Senator Parry)