LUKE GOSLING

LAST week I saw the future of Australia’s Air Force on the assembly line at Fort Worth Texas, USA.

The F-35s are fifth-generation aircraft, containing parts and components manufactured in Australia. They will be stationed at Tindal in Katherine and Australia will start taking delivery later this year.

I was also able to pass on the Territory’s thanks to the Commander of Marine Forces Pacific for the assistance the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) provided during the Cyclone Marcus clean-up.

This month marks a century since Australian and American forces went into combat together in the arguably war-turning Battle of Hamel during WWI.

I was invited to Washington, DC to join Australian and American leaders at the Australian American Leadership Dialogue. We discussed the al- liance, trade and investment, changing workforces, defence co-operation (including the MRF-D), co-operation in space, cyber and the many and varied other elements of disruption that make our times so interesting, challenging and with the right focus and resources, rewarding.

The US is by far the biggest foreign investor in Australia and the depth of the alliance, particularly in defence and intelligence sharing, is a marker of our strong relationship.

One of the key takeaways for me is the absolute importance of Darwin as the capital of Northern Australia and our role as a gateway to the IndoPacific.

By 2030, it is predicted that India will be the third-largest economy in the world behind China and the United States, with Indonesia also in the top five.

The growth in the Indo-Pacific region means a wealth of opportunities for the Northern Territory.

To facilitate innovation and collaboration, I launched the IdeasFest series last year.

The most recent event focused on tourism, and was followed by a forum specifically on Chinese tourism. Later this year, an Indonesia IdeasFest will be held in co-operation with the Australia Indonesia Youth Association NT.

Last week’s visit to the United States reconfirmed my absolute belief in the importance of our regional relationships and the US alliance, and in the Northern Territory’s bright future. With our geographical location, ability to innovate and access to capital, we will play an increasingly vital role in the region.

There is much to look forward to for our children and those who will continue to come and join us in the capital of the North.

Luke Gosling is the Member for Solomon