NORTH WEST DEFENCE HIGHLIGHTED IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MEETING

The Chair of the North West Defence Alliance met with the Defence Minister when the Federal Cabinet visited Port Hedland recently.

Western Australia has previously been neglected in defence, according to the Alliance’s Defence Strategic Review handed to the Prime Minister.

Alliance Chair Peter Long was happy with discussions with the Defence Minister about protecting the North West’s resources sector.

“He emphasised how important the North West is to the defence of Australia, so that’s the first thing, because we’ve been neglected in the past, so I was really pleased to hear him say that,” Mr Long said.

“He indicated that the final report would be released in the next couple of months and that they’re definitely taking it very seriously and I’m sure there’ll be money allowed in the budget.”

The report covering the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne’s defence strategy was handed to the PM on the 14th of February 2023.