As we know, the defence of our great nation has long been one of bipartisanship

in this place, although listening to the member for Boothby I'm not sure if she's as committed to that as every

other member in this place is.

Earlier this year, as part of a parliamentary delegation that included the member for Fisher, I had the opportunity

to spend time with members of our defence forces, and I thank the member for Fisher for placing this motion

on the parliament's agenda tonight. While not agreeing with the intent of every word in this motion, I think it

is always important for us to talk about support for our defence forces. I was fortunate enough to spend nine

days in the Middle East with our troops. This included spending time at bases in Afghanistan with the men and

women of the ADF to see firsthand the amazing work they do and learn about the equipment they use. The

experience left me with a greater respect for Defence Force personnel and the incredible sacrifices they make

to serve our great country.

Currently, there are 1,700 ADF personal deployed in the Middle East. Our Defence Force personnel remain

actively involved in advising, assisting and training Iraqi security forces in Iraq; training and advising the Afghan

National Defense and Security Forces in Afghanistan; and maritime security operations throughout the region.

Our troops not only do an incredible job representing our country but also are working side by side with the

local forces to train and equip the Afghan army. This includes working with Afghan mentors and interpreters

to better train the local army.

Above all else it was clear to see the professionalism and commitment of our serving personnel on display

24/7. Our troops are the best in the world and they are incredibly dedicated to serving our country. In our local

community there are many ADF families, and I know it must be tough to be separated from loved ones whilst

they serve. The reputation for the ADF extends beyond our borders to accompanying nations who also have

personnel serving in the region. Members of our ADF put themselves at risk every single day, which is why it

is important that we provide our troops with the best equipment available.

I note the member for Fisher also spoke about encouraging small- and medium-sized enterprises all over Australia

to explore the opportunity to supply products and services for the ADF. Both of these elements will be realised

if and when the government awards the Land 400 contract to Rheinmetall to build their Boxer CRV vehicle in

Queensland, my home state, or more specifically in Ipswich. As newly elected Mayor Antoniolli said, Ipswich

has a proud military history, with 7,500 defence workers in the city. I was very pleased to see last week the front

page of our local paper, The Q ueensland Times, with the headline 'Ipswich declares war on unemployment'. It

said that a $5 billion military contract would bring 350 jobs right across our region. Not only is the Boxer CRV

an outstanding vehicle for the Defence Force to serve and protect our troops, but the project would also, as I

said, bring some 300 to 400 jobs to the Ipswich region if the bid was successful whilst at the same time pumping

more than $5 billion into the state's economy over the next 10 years. I was delighted to attend the announcement

of this significant project alongside my state Labor colleagues, the Minister for State Development, Anthony

Lynham, and the Premier of Queensland, at Archerfield Airport in July where we were treated to seeing the

Boxer CRV on the airstrip.

Rheinmetall have committed to establishing an $80 million manufacturing centre in my home city of Ipswich,

with products flowing not only to the Australian Army but right across the world. With news last month that,

sadly, two major businesses in the region would be closing their doors, a decision to give Rheinmetall the Land

400 contract would be an announcement truly welcomed by the Ipswich community. If the LNP is serious about

investing in Queensland, if this government is serious about listening, and with a record majority of members

from Queensland, its federal members shouldn't be giving any more lectures—I want the government to get on

with the job and choose Queensland. Companies have been selected to deliver a range of products and services

right across the state to enable delivery of the Boxer CRV. I acknowledge the state government for the enormous

amount of work it has done under the leadership of Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk and Minister Lyneham, who

have been working so hard to attract Rheinmetall to Queensland, to make sure that this becomes a reality.

The confidence that Rheinmetall is showing in Queensland is a vote of confidence in Queensland's small- and

medium-sized businesses. This supports the Palaszczuk government's focus on attracting more jobs and more

industry to Queensland. It is projects like these that bring invaluable jobs and opportunities to local businesses.

I commend Rheinmetall and the Palaszczuk government on their ambition