It is an honour and privilege to be reappointed as the Minister for Defence.

I would like to welcome my long time friend and colleague the Hon Christopher Pyne MP to the portfolio as the Minister for Defence Industry, and I am pleased to continue to work with Minister for Defence Personnel the Hon Dan Tehan.

Delivering the significant projects outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper and Integrated Investment Program is a national enterprise, and I am enthusiastic about working in close partnership with Minister Pyne on these nation transforming projects.

As the White Paper detailed, Australia faces an increasingly challenging strategic outlook and I am committed to ensuring Australia’s long term national security.

Every day as Minister for Defence I see the professionalism of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and it is a great honour to continue to work with them.

Media contact:

Minister Payne’s office - Henry Budd 0429 531 143