ZED Seselja has welcomed the release of the 2016 Defence White Paper, which sets out the Coalition Government’s long-term plan to ensure Australia’s national security.

Zed said the White Paper’s Integrated Investment Program will deliver substantial benefits for the ACT including;

• Upgraded facilities at HMAS Harman to support enhanced awareness and the security and operational requirements of the future.
• Boosting workforce support, imagery analysis and cyber capabilities to meet evolving threats and changes in technology.

“The investments outlined in the Turnbull Government’s 2016 Defence White Paper will strengthen our Defence Force and provide a welcome boost to the economy of the ACT,” Zed said.

“In the decade to 2025-26, over $600 million will be invested in upgrading Defence facilities in the ACT with a further approximately $2 billion to be invested in upgrading Defence facilities in the ACT in the decade between 2025-26 and 2035-36.

“Defence is already a major employer in the ACT with more than 16,000 Defence personnel based here, which has significant flow-on effects for the local economy.

“Australians can be confident the Turnbull Government will continue to deliver on its most important task – defending our nation and protecting and promoting our national interests,” Senator Seselja concluded.

The 2016 Defence White Paper, Integrated Investment Program and Defence Industry Policy Statement are available at defence.gov.au.