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 CUTS CRITICAL DEFENCE SATELLITE PROGRAM

Monday 4 November 2024

The Albanese Government must immediately clarify the status of the JP9102 strategic military communications satellite program following troubling reports that Labor has scrapped the $7 billion project.

It appears that the program has been cancelled because Labor has not funded it in the Defence budget.

This is a disgraceful decision by the Albanese Government, made only 18 months after it was announced to proceed.

The cancellation of this project devastates our capabilities in strategic overwatch and our ability to coordinate our future defence force.

Under Labor, our national security is neglected. There is no leadership and no money. This is another blow to the Defence budget which has already suffered $80 billion in cuts and reprioritisations.

Defence Minister Richard Marles must stand up today and clarify the status of JP9102 to the Australian people and defence industry.

This Albanese Government is weak and asleep at the wheel when it comes to defence and national security.

ENDS