Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne has addressed the House for the final time as he retires from Australian politics.
After 26 years in politics, Pyne addressed the House for the final time on April 4.
He has a long career that included ministerial jobs – from education to industry, ageing and defence.
On his final day in parliament he said, “to the chagrin of a few, and the joy of many, maybe even some in this place, I am retiring from the Australian parliament”.
“I am going to miss the stage that the despatch box gives you for some amateur thespianism,” he said.
“I have relished the opportunity to attempt great deeds in the one forum in our democracy that allows every Australian the chance to do so, the House of Representatives.”
Just days prior to leaving he showed continued support for defence ventures in Australia including the Attack Class submarine program.
In a statement on April 1, Pyne said the Attack Class submarine Combat System Integrator, Lockheed Martin Australia, has selected ten organisations to participate in research and development topics.
“Following a competitive selection process, these organisations have been selected to develop 13 research and development concept papers on topics related to the Attack Class.”
The research grants, totalling $900,000, cover a range of topics including the automated detection and tracking of passive acoustic contacts, high resolution underwater surveys, submarine communication methods and submarine operator, maintainer and command team training.
Further topics for the Attack Class submarine Combat System Integrator Research and Development Program will be released in July 2019, providing industry with ongoing opportunities to be involved.
Pyne also showed excitement for solar array projects within defence.
Defence invested $4 million in a new solar power facility at the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station near Geraldton, Western Australia.
Pyne said the site is a key component in the Australian Signals Directorate’s architecture defending Australia from global threats.
“It is exciting that we are now producing for the first time solar powered signals intelligence,” said Pyne.
“The facility is the first large scale solar array developed by defence, which has now increased its expertise in the procurement and installation of such facilities.”
With these and many more projects supported by Pyne throughout the years, he addressed the House by mentioning the many colleagues he had worked with over the decades.
“I’ve seen many more outstanding people, Mr Speaker, including my current colleagues.
“Thank you. Goodbye and good luck.”
