I met today with the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Cr. Barry Ackerman, and Mr Maurie Sharkey to discuss issues related to ADI operations in Bendigo.
The Government has a strong desire to see a mutually beneficial outcome from the negotiations between Defence and ADI on the future of the Bushmaster project. Bushmaster is a wheeled infantry mobility vehicle to facilitate Army operations where forces need to cover large areas.
Recent operational experience in East Timor and the roles for Army set out in the White Paper, Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force, all reinforced the priority for the capability the Government sought from this project.
The ALP's constant speculation about the future of the project is grossly irresponsible.
Bendigo has a good future and the Howard Government is committed to working with ADI to deal with the design issues that have delayed progress on this important project. It is also working with the community to this end. The delegation has made an important contribution to enhancing the Government's appreciation of the level of local support for ADI's presence.
