Pyne pays tribute to Turnbull

MINISTER for Defence Industry, Leader of the House and Federal Member for Sturt, christopher Pyne, has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the conclusion of a tumultuous day for the Liberal Party.

"Today we farewell one of the great Prime Ministers in modern Australian history," Mr Pyne said.

"Malcolm chose to leave an extremely successful career in business to serve the Australian people through our Parliament.  In doing so he brought his sharp intellect, vision, and compassion to deliver for the country.

"He leaves the Prime Minister’s office with Australia experiencing a strong economy and strong jobs growth further boosted through significant tax reductions for Australian wage earners and small and medium businesses.

"I thank Malcolm for the opportunity to serve alongside him in his Government. This has been the most rewarding part of my 25-year political career so far.

"I have worked with Malcolm to better secure our nation in uncertain times through the largest build up of Australia’s military capability in our peace time history. 

"The Government's $200 billion commitment is being utilised to not just ensure the men and women of our defence forces are best equipped to defend us, but to also transform our strategic industrial base and generate Australian jobs in a way that has never been done before.

"Malcolm was Australia’s first Prime Minister with real experience in the innovation sector which showed during my time in the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio. This led to us launching the National innovation and Science Agenda, designed to unlock the innovation potential of the economy.

"Malcolm is a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. Australia is stronger and richer for his service and dedication."

www.defence.gov.au

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