Appropriation (2003/04 Financial Review) Bill

As a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, it gives me enormous pleasure and pride to say that I have visited Waiōuru in the last year on a special field visit by the committee, seen the wonderful men and women there, and witnessed the wonderful way they work. It was very clear to me that, in terms of the New Zealand Defence Force and our armed services under this Government, it is all good news. I compliment the men and women of the armed services for the tremendous work they do for this country. If ever a force, a group of men and women, should unite this Parliament in giving praise, it is the wonderful men and women of our defence forces. I want to compliment and, again, say how impressed I was with the leadership—with the heads of the armed forces, but also with the Minister leading them. Under this Government we have seen some real gains in defence.

Here are just some of the achievements this term. We are building a modern defence force that has appropriate structures to best fit New Zealand’s needs, that ensures accountability, and that is open to new technological and conceptual advances, cultural changes, and modern ideas. What a contrast that is to what we inherited at the end of the 1990s.

💬 Darren Hughes: Tragic years.

Yes, we had 9 tragic years, frankly, and, with due respect, in their hearts members of the Opposition know it. They allowed the defence forces in this country to run down. Members of New Zealand First will certainly not disagree with that. I know that in their hearts they totally agree with the point I have made on that.

The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich): I am sorry to interrupt the member, but the time for this debate has expired.

Reports noted.

Clauses 1 to 11, and schedule agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment.

Report adopted.