The Morrison Government is pleased to announce that as a result of Australia’s strong alliance and friendship with the United States, the 2019 US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin will reach the full complement of 2,500 Marines for the first time.

This is great news for regional security, our Alliance with the United States, and for the people and businesses of the Northern Territory.

To date, the US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin has reached about 1,700 Marines. The US will build this eighth rotation to the full complement of 2,500 Marines by July 2019.

The US Force Posture Initiatives have already proved to be a boon for local Territory businesses who have supported the rotations or been involved in part of the $2 billion being invested by Australia and the United States in infrastructure and facilities to support the Initiatives.

The Morrison Government is also planning to secure additional long-term work for Northern Territory businesses and tradies by introducing a Local Industry Capability Plan requirement for all significant Defence infrastructure projects.

The Government is investing $20 billion in Defence infrastructure and facilities in the Northern Territory as set out in our 2016 Defence White Paper.

All tenderers for construction services valued at $7.5 million or more will be required to develop a Local Industry Capability Plan, outlining how local industry has been engaged and the work it will undertake. This is about ensuring that local businesses benefit from local investment and builds on Defence’s existing focus on engaging local suppliers for smaller contracts.

Businesses in the Northern Territory know the Coalition Government’s commitment to Defence investment, particularly in northern Australia, and our ongoing commitment to the US Force Posture Initiatives, will enable them to secure more contracts and create more jobs for Territorians. Only the Coalition can be trusted to ensure Defence has the resources it needs to keep our nation safe.

The Marine rotation has become part of Top End life over the past seven years. The Marines were the first to join with their ADF counterparts to assist the Northern Territory community clean up after Tropical Cyclone Marcus passed through Darwin and Palmerston in 2018.

During this rotation, the Marines will participate in multiple training activities alongside the ADF, including a new Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response activity.

As announced by the Minister for Defence last week, the 2019 rotation also features an Aviation Combat Element including MV-22 Ospreys and UH/AH-1 helicopters, providing the opportunity to deepen interoperability with the ADF.