THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT
LABOR’S DEFENCE PLAN ALL TALK AND NO ACTION

Wednesday 30 October 2024

The Albanese Government has once again demonstrated their shallow, weak and lethargic approach to defending Australia.

Labor talks a big game on defence, frequently reminding Australians that we are living in the most dangerous times since the end of the Second World War.

But while our close allies are taking action to invest in and grow their industrial bases, the Albanese Government is slow to act in securing Australia’s advanced manufacturing and supply chains.

Part-time Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy, used his National Press Club speech to announce Labor’s preferred tenderer to build a new forging capability for 155mm artillery ammunition – excluding any details around the costs associated. We are left scratching our heads once again.

Meanwhile, Labor’s announcement to establish a new $316 million Australian Weapons Manufacturing Complex comes with no plan or details for implementation. We must now wait for the Albanese Government to identify a site sometime next year for the facility which won’t be operational until 2029. But the clock is ticking and we have no time to waste.

Labor claims to have increased defence spending, but we know that they are playing fast and loose with the numbers. The reality is that under Labor, there has been $80 billion worth of cuts and delays to Defence, cannibalising capability and degrading our fighting morale. 

Labor’s defence spending barely matches inflation. Australian defence industry knows this tough reality too well, as they try to stay alive in an austere financial environment.

The Defence Industry Minister took the opportunity to market Labor’s ‘clear road map’ for defence industry. This should have been provided when Labor released its Defence Strategic Review – more than 18 months ago.

But we need less marketing, and more leadership. Less words, and more action.

[ENDS]