Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Rennick for his question and also his support for the ADF. The Morrison government does have a very comprehensive strategy for establishing and also sustaining a strong Navy to secure Australia's security and prosperity. The rapidly evolving strategic circumstances in our own region mean that the ADF needs a strong maritime presence both within and beyond our borders. We need to be in more places at the same time and be capable of responding to our region. For that reason, this government is investing over $90 billion in our national shipbuilding endeavour for the Navy. We are building 57 naval vessels in Australia by Australian workers with Australian steel. But it is not just about building ships; we're also sustaining our fleet and working with industry to generate world-class naval capability, to foster innovation and also to create thousands of long-term multigenerational jobs for Australian workers.

We are building state-of-the-art shipyards in South Australia that will deliver the new Hunter class frigates and also the Attack class submarines. The first two offshore patrol vessels are already being built in South Australia. For the third ship, they'll transfer to Henderson in Western Australia. In Western Australia, we're also building the 21 Guardian class Pacific patrol boats. They will provide our near neighbours with enhanced maritime security capability. All of this work will support our security and create Australian job opportunities in South Australia, Western Australia and the rest of the nation. It is truly a national shipbuilding endeavour.