Defence SA

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (15:12): My question is for the Minister for Defence Industries. Can the minister advise the house why two successive CEOs of Defence SA have resigned in the last 13 months since he has been their minister?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (15:12): Yes, I can. Mr Fletcher moved on from Defence SA after, I think, six or seven years of outstanding service having overseen the construction of Techport and the winning of the air warfare destroyer project and is now heading up the Rheinmetall bid for Land 400, and we wish him well and thank him for his service.

Mr Jackman has taken an opportunity to serve with the Minister for Emergency Services in a very important role where the government needs him and which he is delighted to fulfil. So, I thank both those gentlemen for their service. They have done a wonderful job for Defence SA.