By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
FURTHER political fighting has emerged between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Darren Chester and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville over Queenscliff Fort.
Ahead of a scheduled visit to Fort Queenscliff today, Mr Chester took a swipe at Ms Neville over her public commitment to the fort as an operating military base.
Fort Queenscliff is an operational base for the Department of Defence Archive Centre, Australian Signals Directorate, army history and indigenous services units, and the fort’s museum.
“Under our government the fort will continue to play an important role in supporting our nation’s military,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s unfortunate that the state Member for Bellarine has seen fit to cast doubt on the future of the fort through her public comments.
“If Lisa Neville does not support continuing military operations at Fort Queenscliff she should say so.
“When federal Labor was in government it ripped $16 billion in funding away from defence, reducing defence spending as a percentage of GDP to the lowest level since 1938.
“In contrast, our 2015 budget continues to deliver on the Government’s commitment to increase defence spending to two per cent of GDP within a decade.
“It also builds on the Government’s promise to provide defence with a stable and sustainable funding growth path.”
Mr Chester said he would meet Borough of Queenscliff Mayor Helene Cameron and councillors to discuss tourism opportunities for the fort.
He also planned talks with Queenscliff Golf Club members about the challenges the course faces from operating on Commonwealth land at Swan Island.
Ms Neville said she was disappointed Mr Chester had used the fort to play politics.
“Queenscliff Fort is vital for jobs in the region,” she said.
“I’ve already been working closely with council and realise how important this project is.
“It brings together the three levels of government, the tourism industry and the local community in an exciting project that will have lasting economic benefits.”
