Appointment of defence industry advocate blasted

THE state government has appointed a Defence Industry Advocate to push for more defence projects and jobs for Victoria, but Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson says it is “too little too late” for Geelong’s Land 400 bid. Former federal minister Greg Combet will start in the role in April and officially represent Victoria on defence industry matters.

However, Ms Henderson said the appointment should have been made 12 months ago. “Compared with the very slick ‘Defence SA’ operation, the Victorian government’s efforts have been utterly shambolic.”