Thank you for that very warm welcome and it’s a pleasure to be with you all here at the i3net Defence Tech Forum – where we will be unlocking the true potential of Autonomous Maritime Systems.
Now, I may be a bit biased but this region truly is the best.
We are privileged to live in an area with untold natural beauty. From the coast, to the bush. Our hundreds of towns and villages. Each unique and with their own character.
From a young age I was lucky to grow up here locally.
Where I got to experience all this region has to offer.
I did not have family at that stage that worked in Defence.
But like so many local people in the Nowra area, our very own jewels in our crown, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Creswell, Navy and Defence, were always part of our lives.
There’s something that every child will always remember:
Seeing Defence members marching in our streets for important commemorations like, ANZAC Day marches.
Trying that Navy flight simulator out at our local show
Seeing the Red Berets from the ADF Parachuting School at Nowra, parachuting and landing at our showground.
Entering the Global Defence Solutions tents and talking with Defence Industry employers – always the coolest tents at the show.
And each time, hopefully sparking a dream – what if, could I join the Defence force or Defence Industry? What careers are on offer?
I have reflected on that a lot, over, in particular, the last couple of years.
The relationship between Defence, Defence Industry and community.
And, what makes that a success in our region?
I have been in a very privileged position – where in my role I have been able to work with Navy, Army, the Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Creswell and our many wonderful Defence Industry employers.
that thought is not lost on me.
And after working at HMAS Albatross, and now being an army mum, I naturally have a very strong leaning towards Defence and Defence Industry, and the many benefits it does provide and the very exciting opportunities it will be able to provide for our communities moving forward into the future.
I firmly understand that the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region has a major comparative advantage when it comes to Defence and Defence Industry.
Having Defence and Defence Industry embedded in our community our whole lives, means greater community acceptance – and we should never take that for granted.
There are not too many places you can have Jervis Bay Marine Park and all the natural beauty and tourism it offers, and at the same time bombing onto the Beecroft Weapons Range, Seahawk Romeo’s flying around, Navy ships, Naval Officers training and even HMAS Rankin, the Navy submarine, popping up in Jervis Bay.
And one of the largest offshore Defence training area’s – The East Australian Exercise Area.
And while sometimes, in some places a bit further away, understandably, there are people not so used to Defence being around, but for me, the penny dropped, knowing that decades of embedding Navy and Defence in our communities here, was having a profound benefit.
And it’s those lessons that we must all learn from and nurture into the future.
The Gilmore electorate alone, has 7,662 currently serving Defence Members and Veterans.
This is the electorate with the highest number of Defence Members and Veterans in NSW and in the top 5 in Australia.
But what of our future?
What lies ahead?
What opportunities are there across the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region?
It is no secret, the Albanese Government is delivering historic investments in the Australian Defence Force, our people, our capabilities, our defence industry and our region, as we further strengthen the defence of our nation.
The 2024 National Defence Strategy and 2023 Defence Strategic Review call for significant and urgent changes to our defence settings to respond to our complex strategic environment and deliver an integrated, focused Defence Force.
And the 2024-25 Budget sees Defence funding increase to $764.6 billion over the decade to support a more capable and self-reliant Defence Force that can safeguard Australia’s security into the future.
There is an additional $5.7 billion over the forward estimates – the largest increase to Defence spending over a forward estimates period in decades.
An additional $50.3 billion over the next decade.
As a result of these significant investments, the annual Defence Budget will grow to an estimated $100 billion by 2033-34 compared to $53 billion this financial year.
Our commitment to Defence is an investment in a future made in Australia – ensuring we keep Australian’s safe, while delivering jobs and opportunities right across the country and here locally, for decades to come.
Importantly, the 2024-25 Budget confirms the Albanese Government’s commitment to set out an affordable, achievable and sustainable plan for now and the future which delivers the capabilities, jobs and investment in local Australian industry needed to support our Defence Force and safeguard Australia’s security.
Now, all of this presents huge opportunities across our region.
Having HMAS Albatross, HMAS Creswell, strong Defence Industry and that very large East Australian Exercise Area, puts our region in the prime position to benefit from AUKUS Pillar 2’s focus on advanced capabilities and more specifically Autonomous Undersea and Maritime Capability.
We know that autonomous undersea and maritime capability requires ‘testing’ and we are home to one of the largest offshore defence exercise areas, the East Australian Exercise Area, and I look forward to hearing more about this with you today.
I would like to conclude today by imagining a region benefiting even greater from Defence and Defence Industry into the future, with:
More secure, well paid jobs.
Higher levels of research, education and training
Improved community infrastructure – hospitals, education, roads
A higher standard of living
And a Defence and Defence Industry Excellence Hub that fosters and grows Defence and Defence Industry in our region.
So that each child, as they grow, can not only dare to dream about that Defence and Defence Industry career – they can achieve it.
I thank the i3net Board, members and everyone participating today and look forward to the many informative speakers and panel discussions as we discover the true potential of Autonomous Maritime Systems and the benefits for our region and nation.
Thank you.
[ENDS]
