STATEMENT ON MQ-28A GHOST BAT

Friday 9 February 2024

The Opposition welcomes the continuing support for the former Coalition Government’s investment in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat.

Since 2017, the Coalition Government had invested $150 million into the unmanned Ghost Bat – the first Australian-designed, engineered and manufactured combat aircraft in 50 years and a welcome addition to our Defence capabilities.

While the Defence Industry Minister came out of hiding to make the announcement, Defence Minister, Richard Marles, was nowhere to be seen.

Mr Marles’ absence is highly unusual. Maybe he's back in the ring going blow for blow with Defence officials, or perfecting his swing elsewhere.

Just yesterday, the Coalition called on the Defence Minister to stand up and lead after two scathing reviews of non-performance in the media this week.

Yet Mr Marles has once again proved he is not up to the job as a full-time Defence Minister.

The Albanese government must also explain if this announcement is a new investment in Defence, or if it is just a reprioritisation and cutting of other capabilities.

The Coalition will continue to seek clarity from this tricky government that is infamously known for its cuts and cannibalisation of Defence.

ENDS