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

The silly word games of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, once again, provide a window into the Australian Labor Party's thinking when it comes to the affairs of this nation and especially its defence requirements. As I have already indicated to the honourable senator, Senator Edwards made a statement after that Sky interview—indeed, as recent as one hour ago—to this place that said:

The assurance I sought was very simple. I asked for Australian companies like the ASC to have the right to compete for the Future Submarines project on merit. That is the very assurance I got, and that is the very assurance that stands today.

And this coming from a cabinet minister in the former government, which ensured that not a single naval vessel was built in Australia during the Labor regime! Indeed, the only one that was purchased, the HMAS Choules, was bought from the United Kingdom. (Time expired)