Peter Lindsay (Herbert, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support this motion. This is very significant for Townsville, but the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support left out a word in his speech to the parliament. He indicated to us all that Lavarack Barracks is the home of the 3rd Brigade. He did not inform the parliament that that is the ‘premier’ brigade in Australia today. Defence presence in Australia’s only garrison city, Townsville, is one of the reasons Townsville is doing so well in the current downturn in the economy. We love our soldiers and we love the men and women of the Royal Australian Air Force. The 3rd Battalion coming to Townsville is a very significant change in the way the battalions are located. This will be welcomed by the Townsville community, and it will ensure that Defence continue to be a very significant presence in Australia’s largest tropical city. I thank the parliamentary secretary for his referral today.

Question agreed to.

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