Defence

As your Independent Member for Solomon, I will actively engage with government briefings on matters of strategic importance and with Defence personnel in the Top End, and the broader community, to hear your concerns and views on Territory and national security. I will facilitate public access to information where appropriate, so that everyone is informed about Defence policy, priorities and operations.

I will be proud to work with our Defence personnel, families and veterans to celebrate their contributions to Australia and our local community.

We are in an unexpectedly tumultuous period in global affairs right now. While I continue listening to the community, engaging with evidence and Defence expertise, here are my positions on the appropriate role for the next Member for Solomon.

• We are living on Australia’s front line to the world. Defence policy matters.
• We are a close neighbour to Southeast Asia, and here in Solomon we have particular opportunities to strengthen regional ties .
• The community of Solomon wants to see foreign policy that keeps us secure and prioritises peace for all peoples.
• With very serious national security debates currently occurring, the public needs better information and better political leadership to have faith in the growing expenditure on our increasingly large Defence budget.
• There are serious and well-founded concerns in this community about AUKUS, and the agreement to purchase nuclear submarines from the United States. Experts and analysts have reported that our sovereignty is being compromised. I share these concerns and support calls for a parliamentary review.
• Our Defence community forms a big part of Darwin and Palmerston. Defence do a wonderful job welcoming new arrivals and recruits, getting involved in Top End life, and growing Northern Australia’s defence capabilities. I will listen to local Defence needs and provide a strong voice in Canberra.
• Local Veterans need great support services - similar to the services that we all need, and too often struggle to access.