Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Keneally for that question. I just note, too, that I thank her for my first question as the Minister for Defence in this capacity. I would also acknowledge that there is no greater responsibility for any minister than this portfolio and the safety and security of our nation, and I look forward to working with all in this chamber and the other on all of these issues.

In relation to the question on the meeting with the Papua New Guinean Prime Minister and also the ministers, I can confirm that we had a very productive meeting this morning with the Prime Minister and his ministers. We had a very productive discussion with them. The governor of Manus was in attendance and, again, we had a discussion about the future of Manus and about the base and also the facility. We agreed that we will continue to work together to further develop the facilities there with a view to new employment opportunities for those on Manus Island and for others. So it was a very productive discussion, and we discussed all aspects of the facilities there and how we move forward together in relation to those facilities.