Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett very much for his question. Last week I had the opportunity to address the Submarine Institution of Australia conference in Adelaide on just this matter.

Senator Conroy interjecting—

Happily, the soporific nature of Senator Conroy's speech later in the day gave them a little rest before tea time.

Senator Wong interjecting—

He led with his chin. The Turnbull government, as Senator Fawcett well knows, is absolutely committed to the Future Submarine project as a core strategic capability, and our investment in the project reflects the importance that we put on the safety and security of our nation. This government is determined to get the best future submarine with the best capability for the best value for money through a competitive evaluation process. The government has invited DCNS of France, TKMS of Germany and the government of Japan to participate in this process, and all three have indicated they will present their proposals to Defence by the required date of the end of this month. That is a very powerful endorsement of the process; that all three have invested significant resources to participate in the development of these proposals. All three have worked with Defence to put forward their case. The evaluation process will take a period of time, because we are determined to make the right decision. It is a very important decision, and we have taken the best possible advice from Defence in determining this time frame.

I can also inform the Senate that the government has begun the work to choose a combat system integrator for the future submarine. This is a key decision, and the point of having made this decision at this point in time is that it will enable Defence to have a qualified and experienced industry partner on board as soon as we select an international partner. Importantly, it also represents jobs in Australia. That is a very important aspect of this process. (Time expired)