Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

As I said earlier, in response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, the minister engaged in a rhetorical flourish. He said the wrong thing in the heat of debate in the Senate. He has admitted that he said the wrong thing. He has withdrawn it. He has apologised. He has affirmed that the Australian Submarine Corporation is an important part of our defence materiel institutional structure. It services our submarine fleet. It is helping to build our air warfare destroyers. Obviously we want it to be in the best possible shape, and that is exactly what is happening—thanks to this government and this minister.

The Australian defence forces are in good shape. They are doing great work right around the world—they really are. Right now they are performing magnificently. They are fighting the world's fight; they are fighting freedom's fight in Iraq and elsewhere.

Ms Chesters interjecting—

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