Senator JOHNSTON (Western Australia—Minister for Defence) (15:14): In 2009, the previous government published a Defence white paper which outlined the way forward for Defence out to 2030. Labor then immediately began to backpedal on all of the commitments it contained and cut, as I say, $16 billion over the next four years. Labor's Defence white paper of 2009 had a shorter shelf life than a loaf of bread. Under Labor the share of GDP spent on Defence fell to 1.56 per cent. Senator Conroy: For a hundred bucks you won't give us a white paper. The PRESIDENT: Senator Johnston is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator JOHNSTON: Under the Labor government the share of GDP spent on Defence fell to 1.56 per cent, the lowest level since 1938. In 2012-13, Labor cut 10.5 per cent from the budget—the largest single cut Defence has endured since the Korean conflict. On Labor's watch the Australian Defence Industries shed more than 10 per cent of its workforce. Of course, we heard nothing from South Australian senators. Labor's careless disregard for Defence funding saw 119 projects delayed, 43 reduced and eight cancelled altogether. This is the level of mess that we inherited—no plans for Pacific patrol boats, frigates or submarines. (Time expired) Senator Abetz: I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.