Springfield based Liberal National Party Senator Paul Scarr has praised the positive impact the Dutton LNP Government announcement of an extra $21 billion in defence expenditure over five years will have on the Greater Ipswich Region.
In the lead up to ANZAC Day, it was announced that a Dutton LNP Government will invest an additional $21 billion to take Defence spending as a share of GDP to 2.5% within 5 years, ensuring Australians are kept safe.
Senator Paul Scarr said, “Ipswich is a defence force town. We are home to Amberley Airforce Base which employs over 5,000 people. The LNP has committed to reinstating an extra F-35A fighter squadron which is great news. This additional fighter squadron was disgracefully cancelled by the current Labor Government.”
“There are many serving members of the Australian Defence Force who live in the Greater Ipswich Region. There is also a huge veteran community in the Greater Ipswich Region who served their country with honour and understand the need for a strong defense force.”
LNP candidate for Blair, Carl Mutzelburg, said, “Australia is facing the most complex and serious strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War. Labor has overseen more than $80 billion in cuts and delays to Defence in just three years. This has impacted morale and put Australia at risk.”
“This extra funding will be a great boost for Amberley Air Force Base and all the defence related industries located in the Greater Ipswich Region. Only a Dutton LNP Government will deliver the decisive action we need to defend our nation and get Australia back on track,” Mr Mutzelburg said.
