David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 22 March 2011:

As at 31 December 2010:

(1) Is it still planned to acquire 12 submarines as per the White Paper direction 'the Government takes the view that our future strategic circumstances necessitate a substantially expanded submarine fleet of 12 boats in order to sustain a force at sea' (Defence White Paper 2009, p. 64, paragraph 8.40).

(2) What plans and strategies are in place to man the 12 future submarines given the great difficulty in 2010, of manning and operating our current submarines.

(3) What is the expected cost of acquiring 12 future submarines, over the next:

  (a) 12 months;

  (b) 5 years;

  (c) 10 years; and

  (d) 15 years.

(4) What funding has been provided to assist in the planning for the 12 future submarines.

(5) When is it expected that the first pass approval will be provided to advance the purchase of the 12 future submarines.

(6) What is the expected through-life support and operating costs of a fleet of 12 future submarines over a 30 year operating period.

(7) When is it envisaged that the first of the 12 future submarines will be launched and fully operational.

(8) What is the expected cost per year of maintaining and operating our 6 Collins Class submarines until they are de-commissioned, broken down by year until 2025.

(9) What is the specific phasing-out program for the existing Collins Class submarines.