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

Yes, Senator McMahon. I can confirm that Northern Australia is and will remain our gateway to the Indo-Pacific. This is a region of growing economic prosperity, trade and opportunity for Australia, but it's also one that is more dynamic and more interconnected, and where traditional and new security threats increasingly transcend state boundaries. We cannot deal as a nation with any of these challenges in isolation. As the Defence minister, I recognise that strengthening the ADF's relationships with regional allies and partners is crucial to our nation and our regional security. This is why we, Australia, remain committed to the United States Force Posture Initiatives. They provide security benefits for both countries and for our regional partners, by deepening the joint operations between the ADF and the US forces. Also, they increase engagement with nations right across the Indo-Pacific. The US still plays an essential role in underwriting the security of the Indo-Pacific.