Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the Shoalhaven for the second time in four weeks as the May 21st Federal Election looms.
The PM, accompanied by Gilmore Liberal Candidate Andrew Constance and retiring South Coast state MP Shelly Hancock, announced a 360-million upgrade to HMAS Albatross to locate and maintain 13 new MH-60R Romeo maritime helicopters.
The PM also foreshadowed a bolstered defence budget, which includes additional Apache helicopters for the Australian defence force.
Mr Morrison said " Australia's national security doesn't happen by accident, it requires a government that understands it and is deeply committed to it. and is prepared to make the decisions to enhance our capability and give our defence forces the support they need and the many other agencies that keep Australia safe."
Prime Minister Morrison ruled out Jervis Bay as a base for Australia's new nuclear submarine fleet telling journalists, " It's not one of the shortlisted sites, it's not one of the shortlisted sites at all."
The PM later spoke with Shoalhaven business leaders at an informal luncheon.
Images: Peter Andrea