James Stevens (Sturt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to welcome the announcement this morning from Naval Group and the Commonwealth that there will be a minimum in the submarine contract of 60 per cent of contract value happen within Australia. This is an important development, a very important milestone. It should be a minimum that 60 per cent is spent in country. My hope is that will grow right up into the 90s, if not get to 100 per cent, by the end of the program. It is very important that this is put into the contract, that these commitments are made.

I appreciate the fact that the global chief executive of Naval Group, Pierre-Eric Pommellet, was here in Australia a few weeks ago. I think that was a very important show of faith from him to come to Australia, to quarantine here, to have meetings with ministers and with Defence department officials. Now, coming out of that visit, we have this commitment going into the contract. It is not only important for my home state of South Australia but it is important for defence industry across this country.

The capability we're acquiring is very important but what is just as important is the sovereign capability and that, at the end of this program, we have the ability in this country to produce submarines in a sovereign way into the future. I welcome this development. I am looking forward to fighting for a lot more than 60 per cent occurring in Australia but this is a very good start. It is a very good floor. I look forward to working with everyone in this House and building on this commitment into the future.