Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

Claims of further cost blow-outs in the construction of Australia's air warfare destroyers, made by the Abbott government the day before the launch of HMAS Hobart on Saturday, are yet another attempt by the Abbott government to undermine the Australian Submarine Corporation and, in turn, soften up voters for the government to award the submarine contract to a foreign builder, probably Japan.

Before the election, the Abbott government promised to build the 12 replacement submarines in South Australia. Ever since, the government has been twisting and turning, trying to backflip on its pre-election commitment, even after numerous defence experts and credible defence companies have confirmed that the submarines can be built in Australia on time, on price, and to the best world standards. Indeed, it is in Australia's national security and capability interest to build the subs in Australia. For South Australia the contract is vital to the South Australian economy, and to the future of thousands of families and thousands of small-business people. It will prevent the loss of skills, and the skills drain that has built up over many years. Where are the South Australian federal Liberals on this issue, when their state needs them most? They are squibbing their responsibility to their state, to the people that elected them and to the people that they represent in this place.

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