Australia is entering the most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War and I take on the role of Shadow Defence Minister with this front of mind.

I don’t come to this job with a military background, but with the deepest appreciation and respect for the tens of thousands of servicemen and women who make it their daily work to serve our nation, and the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have served in our defence forces in the past.

I intend to bring all my experience in economics, reform and delivery – leading complex projects across business and government to ensure our defence forces are supported, prepared, and equipped for the significant strategic challenges facing Australia and our region.

As Shadow Treasurer, I was proud to ensure a landmark increase in our defence funding, while still delivering a better budget bottom line than Labor. The most important priority of any government is to protect its people, and I am committed to holding the government to account to ensure defence is properly funded, strategically agile, and fit-for-purpose for the challenges ahead.

Together with Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Phillip Thompson OAM, we will continue the work of my predecessor Andrew Hastie, who brought strength and conviction to this portfolio to lay out a vision that is urgent, credible, and deliverable.

ENDS.