John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

First of all I have to indicate to Senator Johnston that I cannot confirm the statistics that he has provided to the Senate, but I will certainly outline to him information in relation to the situation we face in relation to the crewing and operation of our Collins class submarines. I am advised that three submarines are presently crewed and operating in various stages of their routine operational and maintenance cycles. I am advised that media speculation suggesting otherwise is factually incorrect and I have also been advised that Chief of Navy has previously written to newspaper editors to correct these errors. The remaining three submarines are in waiting or longer term docking cycles which involve major overhauls and refurbishment by the original manufacturer, ASC. The opposition should be aware that, of course, submarine availability is managed to ensure that we can meet a range of contingencies, some at short notice and also some which require and have a longer lead time. (Time expired)