George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

So, we have brought forward the construction of the future frigates. We have brought forward the construction of the offshore patrol vessels. And we will, towards the end of this year, be announcing the outcome of the competitive evaluation process for the future submarines. But Senator Xenophon, in relation to the HMAS Success, the urgency of the need to replace that vessel as it reaches the end of its operational life, is now so acute that we have to acquire a ship as soon as possible, and the fastest way to do that is to acquire it overseas.