The two men vying to lead Australia's defence portfolio faced off to debate their side's national security credentials ahead of the 21 May election.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton and his Labor counterpart Brendan O'Connor met at the National Press Club to debate the national security challenges facing the future of Australia.Defence Minister Peter Dutton has shrugged off recent criticism of Australia by Solomon Islands leader Manasseh Sogavare, as his Labor counterpart accused the Coalition of failing in the Pacific during a defence debate on Thursday.
But the contest also saw Mr Dutton and Mr O’Connor renew their attack lines against each other over national security, which have loomed large over the campaign. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously implied that China establishing a military base in Solomon Islands would be a “red line” — a position shared by the United States.
Mr Dutton was also questioned about a claim made by himself and Mr Morrison that a Labor-led government would be the preferred outcome of Beijing at the upcoming federal election. Labor's defence spokesperson also attacked the government for mishandling defence contracts, saying it had failed to deliver military capability.
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