Election 2022 live: Scott Morrison announces upgrades to four RAAF bases totalling $428m

Four air force bases will receive multi million-dollar upgrades under a plan by Scott Morrison to help keep the nation safe “in these uncertain times”.

Four Australian air bases will get a $428m upgrade to improve runways, lighting and reverse contamination under a Coalition election commitment.

The investment in the RAAF bases at Richmond in NSW, Amberley in Queensland, Pearce in Western Australia and HMAS Albatross in NSW is expected to create about 600 jobs.

The air base upgrades include resurfacing asphalt, replacing concrete and remediating contamination and replacing end of life electrical equipment and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the project maintaining and upgrading critical defence airfield infrastructure to keep the nation safe.

“In these uncertain times it’s vital that we take steps to invest in our defence force and ensure our ADF have the best technology and facilities, so that Australians are protected,” he said.

A F/A-18F Super Hornet takes off at RAAF Amberley in Queensland, one of four bases which will receive upgrades under a Coalition plan. Picture: AFP/Royal Australian Air Force

Mr Morrison said Australia’s “strong economy” meant it could afford to invest in Australia’s defence and national security capabilities.

“Our $270 billion defence investment is keeping Australians safe, building our sovereign defence capabilities and creating jobs while securing a strong economy and a stronger future,” he said.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the air base upgrades would ensure that the ADF could continue to provide critical capabilities

“Upgrades to these airfields will ensure that the men and women of the ADF can continue to provide the operational capability needed to keep our nation safe, whether that be Super

A C-130J Hercules leaves RAAF Richmond in NSW, one of four air bases to receive upgrades totalling $465m. Picture: AFP/Royal Australian Air Force

Hornets and Growlers at Amberley, C-130 Hercules at Richmond, our pilot training at Pearce, or our Romeo Helicopters at Nowra,” he said.

“When Labor was in Government, they neglected our Defence base upkeep because of their cuts to the Defence budget – down to the lowest level since before the Second World War – leaving our national security exposed.”

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the “significant” investment would benefit local businesses near the bases.

“We are ensuring that local industry is prioritised and local tradies have the opportunity to work on this significant Defence investment,” she said.

“Small and medium businesses are key to supporting the local economy and over 1000 small and medium businesses have been engaged on Defence capital infrastructure and facilities projects since 2019.”

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