Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank senator Madigan for his question. There have been a number of discussions recently, and most recently I saw former Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn making some observations in relation to this. Significantly, while Defence is indeed able to meet its fuel requirements through its own stockholdings, it is important to note that we do in fact a have a number of other supply options. Amongst those I would indicate that we have arrangements with our closest allies, who can be relied on should there be an interruption to the general supply of fuel. I understand also in response to Senator Madigan's question, particularly in relation to logistics support, that this is an aspect of the white paper, to which I would draw senator Madigan's attention. It is an area of enabling capability within Defence that has been significantly underfunded in recent years, and it is one which this white paper most importantly seeks to address and in fact readdress.