Question Time AU

General Debate

Defence

House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion acknowledging the government's initial $12 billion commitment to the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia. Labor members highlighted the strategic importance of continuous naval shipbuilding, job creation, and deterrence capabilities under the current administration. Opposition members supported the precinct's vision but criticised the government for delays, insufficient total funding, and a lack of detailed planning. A National Party member acknowledged the coalition's role in establishing AUKUS but warned against defence budget cuts amid rising costs.

Outcome

The motion was debated as private members' business; no final vote result was stated in the provided transcript.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Lawrence moved the motion to acknowledge the initial $12 billion investment in the Henderson Defence Precinct, which supports approximately 10,000 direct jobs over two decades. Lawrence argued that the government has ended previous defence dysfunction by providing stability and continuity for capability delivery. Lawrence emphasised that the precinct would diversify Western Australia's economy beyond mining and support small and medium-sized businesses. Lawrence noted that the investment aligns with the 2023 Defence Strategic Review and ensures continuous naval shipbuilding, including future nuclear-powered submarines.

Opposition response

Melissa Price (Durack) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Price stated that the coalition supports the Henderson precinct but argued the government's announcement was four years late and lacked a concrete plan. Price noted that the total cost is likely $25 billion, with planning not expected to finish until 2027, risking delays and lost skilled workers. Price claimed AUKUS is underfunded and cannibalising other defence budgets, urging a commitment of no less than three per cent of GDP for defence spending. Price argued that readiness and credible funding are essential for deterrence, rather than just announcements.