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

Minister, thank you for making the time to take my question. Minister, I noted your response to my earlier question. In respect of the Manufacturing Transition Program, can you at least advise how many applications were received from South Australia and Victoria for funds from that program? I appreciate you may not wish to name them, but you might be able to provide a response to the question of how many there are.

Minister, today's announcement that BAE Australia has decided not to respond to the Abbott government's request for tender for the replacement of the Pacific patrol boat is further bad news for Australia's shipbuilding industry. I understand that the company cited the Abbott government's timing of the program as the biggest challenge facing the maritime business. I understand that BAE Australia also said the Abbott government needs to accelerate the Future Frigate Program, along with a plan that supports continuous production.

Minister, what role do you have in the procurement of naval vessels as Minister for Industry? Can you advise whether there will be any effort made to ensure: firstly, that there is not a 'valley of death'; and, secondly, that we stop the loss of skills that are vital to the industry which will inevitably occur if there is not a continuous build of submarines or Navy ships? Finally, can you provide any advice whatsoever in regard to the replacement submarine contract—in particular, whether any decision has been made in respect of who that contract will be awarded to?

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