AIR FORCE 462 SQUADRON

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (14:18): My question is to the Minister for Defence Industries. Can the Treasurer inform the house about the relocation of 462 Squadron to South Australia?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:18): I would like to thank the member for Ramsay. Of course, having an electorate in the northern suburbs, the defence industries are particularly important to her electorate. In 2009, the Department of Defence announced the relocation of the Royal Australian Air Force's Information Operations Squadron (462 Squadron) to South Australia.

The relocation of 462 Squadron from Canberra to Adelaide complements and strengthens the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in South Australia. The role of 462 Squadron is to exploit and protect from exploitation the Air Force's computer network and information and communications capabilities, which are critical in modern warfare. 462 Squadron also supports RAAF Commanders by establishing secure information environments to support air operations.

The decision to move 462 Squadron to Adelaide predates the current Force Posture review commissioned by minister Smith that may result in the relocation of defence capabilities within Australia. The decision was made in part to co-locate Aerospace Operational Support Group units, and in particular it will be complementary to other defence units located in South Australia.

The initial 40 members of 462 Squadron commenced operations from their new facility on 16 January this year. The new $14 million purpose-built facility has sufficient space to grow 462 Squadron to 100 personnel in the coming years. It is located next to RAAF's Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit at the DSTO, Edinburgh.

The RAAF has been operating out of Edinburgh since the mid-1950s, and these units make a valuable contribution not only to the nation's defence but also to our local communities. Edinburgh is the centre of Defence's maritime surveillance capabilities; 92 Wing operates the AP-3C Orion aircraft which currently supports operations in the Middle East.

Air Force focus and investment in RAAF Edinburgh and South Australia remains high. In May 2012, a new and separate $18 million permanent building will be completed to accommodate 150 staff for 87 Squadron, the Air Force's Intelligence Squadron at RAAF Edinburgh. Comprehensive new crew facilities for 92 Wing are also nearing completion.

In total, Defence is more broadly investing some $750 million to upgrade or build new Air Force and Army facilities on the base. This is the most extensive reconstruction of any defence facility in Australia. In 2007-08, RAAF Base Edinburgh was estimated to contribute some $308.8 million to the state's economy every year. As at 30 June 2011, South Australia was home to 1,795 RAAF members and 392 RAAF reservists.

462 Squadron is made up of highly trained RAAF and Public Service personnel who specialise in secure and high-grade cryptographic communications and information systems. This will provide an opportunity for local industry to provide highly specialised support. South Australia will look to use this strength to attract other defence capabilities to the state. South Australia is proud of its Air Force heritage and welcomes the members of 462 Squadron and their families to South Australia.