Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

The government's policy is clear that there will be a competitive evaluation process for the submarine replacement that will take into account capability requirements, cost, schedule, technical risk and value-for-money considerations. Any Australian company that can credibly meet these criteria will of course be considered on merit. I would say to Senator Conroy that given his track record in relation to the NBN and other matters, he would not understand what a rigorous, proper process is for a very important procurement project such as submarines.