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PM downplays prospect of Indo-Pacific conflict after drums of war comment29/04/2021|4min
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has played down the prospect of conflict in the Indo-Pacific region as he announced a major upgrade of Defence training facilities in Northern Australia.
While a recent comment made by Australia’s Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo warned the “drums of war” were beating louder, Mr Morrison said his government were committed to peace in the region.
Mr Pezzullo s provocative comments have gained increasing news coverage and have been featured on the front page of The Times in Britain.
Military capabilities and jobs will be bolstered in the Northern Territory after the federal government unveiled a $747 million investment in four key ADF training areas.
Australia Upgrades Four Northern Defence Bases for US Wargames
The Australian federal government has pledged $747 million (US $578 million) to upgrade four military training facilities in the Northern Territory, in time for war gaming exercises with the United States and allies.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison flew to Darwin for the announcement saying the spend was critical to provide Australian soldiers with the best technology and training, and to also confront a “challenging global environment.”
“Working with the United States, our allies, and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia’s interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force, particularly across northern Australia,” Morrison told reporters.
Multi-million defence boost to upgrade NT military capabilities skynews.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from skynews.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Upgrade of Northern Territory defence facilities announced by Scott Morrison
News by James Morrow
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Subscriber only Australian troops will be better prepared to see off foreign threats and integrate their training with key allies including the US, thanks to a $747 million investment in key Northern Territory defence facilities. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce the massive cash injection on Wednesday to boost key ADF training facilities across the Territory, providing for upgraded firing ranges, weapons training simulation, combat and urban shooting ranges, aviation facilities, support facilities, and accommodation. Â Â The investment, which comes on the heels of Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo s warning earlier this week about the increased danger of international conflict, will bolster the ADF s ability to maintain a secure and open Indo-Pacific region.