Up here we are pretty chuffed the Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, a returned veteran in the old definition of that word, is the Opposition’s assistant spokesman for defence.
He knows the region is not a given for either side of politics, has worked hard to represent and keep his seat, and is cognisant of the further opportunities his new role have presented him.
He’ll quickly discover opposition can be a hard, frustrating slog. He’s not alone in his concern for both Australia’s future defence preparedness nor for the welfare of veterans and their families.