Mr LINDSAY (4:41 PM) —RAAF Townsville is one of a chain of six airfields across northern Australia, which is an integral link in the strategic defence of this country. Therefore, it is appropriate that the facilities provided at RAAF Townsville be of the highest standard. For example, currently most of the accommodation has large notices on it—it is of World War II vintage—saying, `Asbestos ridden, danger, be very careful, unsafe.' Townsville is a garrison city and it is the home of the ready deployment force. It has the largest defence base in the country and deserves to be supported by a modern RAAF base. The RAAF base was key in the Timor response, with troops from many nations moving through Townsville for acclimatisation training. More latterly, it has been key to exercises like Tandem Thrust, major multinational exercises that are held on an annual basis. It is very appropriate that this money be spent at the base. I have certainly worked very hard for it. To put all of this into context in the budget, we have $170 million for Lavarack, we have $72 million for RAAF Townsville and we have something like $260 million for the new combat training centre for Lavarack Barracks, which altogether in this year's budget gives about $500 million for defence facilities in Townsville. It is very welcome indeed and long overdue. I am very pleased to support this motion.

Question resolved in the affirmative.