Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett for his supplementary question. Along with the board and the executive of ASC the government will commence work immediately to begin the structural separation. The government will enter into discussions also with the South Australian government on the future of the common user facility at Techport to ensure a cohesive approach in support of future naval shipbuilding projects. The Minister for Defence Industry and I have written to the South Australian Premier on this matter and we look forward to productive and fruitful discussions between the Commonwealth and the South Australian government in the near future. The current board of ASC will continue to operate across the separated entities under the leadership of the ASC chair, Mr Bruce Carter. Over time the corporate structures and governance arrangements will be aligned to the future requirements of the three individual business. The government expects the final separation to be completed in 2017.