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

I thank Senator McMahon for her question and also for her tireless advocacy for Defence personnel and the facilities and support that they get in the Territory.

I can confirm that Australia's north has played, and always will play, an important role in our nation's defence and broader security in our region. That's why this government is investing $8 billion over the next decade in new and upgraded Defence facilities in the Northern Territory. These facilities will support new ADF capabilities, such as the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and the offshore patrol vessel.

Last week the Prime Minister announced a further $1.1 billion of work at RAAF Base Tindal, taking this government's total investment in the base to $1.6 billion. This is to ensure that we can continue to deliver a potent air capability from the Northern Territory. Under this $1.6 billion investment, over $700 million will go towards upgrading the airfield, including extending the runway and building a new air movements terminal, a parking apron and extra fuel storage facilities. The works will increase the capability of Tindal to support the KC-30 Multi-Role Tanker Transport operations. These are a key part of the core air power role of air mobility, in particular air-to-air refuelling and air logistic support missions. This will also improve accessibility for Tindal for the United States Air Force aircraft. Another $437 million will also be provided to critical base infrastructure upgrades. This $1.1 billion commitment comes on top of the $495 million already invested in the new air combat capability facility at Tindal, which will underpin the arrival of the Joint Strike Fighter in the Northern Territory.