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

I thank Senator Patrick for the question and some advance notice of the topic. May I say in response I disagree with the point Senator Patrick made at the end of his question. The government's been very clear in relation to the activities both in South Australia and in Western Australia which are vital to the sustainment of the submarine fleet. The decision has not been made in relation to the future location for Collins class submarine full-cycle docking, and it is the view of the government that we should consider the options that are put to government after full examination by the appropriate agencies in due course. We will do that, as we have consistently said.

I want to assure the Senate and assure Senator Patrick that a decision on the Collins class submarine full-cycle docking location doesn't impact on the currently planned work on the life-of-type extension activities for the Collins class submarine. It is important that the process that is underway is allowed to conclude, and, when an announcement is ready to be made, it will be made. It will be made based on what is in our national interests, after the proper consideration of all of the relevant information and advice that is brought to government.