Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I once again thank Senator Ciccone for his question. Labor has a proud history of non-proliferation and disarmament advocacy. We are resolutely committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We are working openly and transparently with the International Atomic Energy Agency to develop a robust non-proliferation approach to underpin our program.

Let me be clear: Australia will never seek to acquire nuclear weapons. Our AUKUS partners recognise Australia's obligations under international law, including the Treaty of Rarotonga. Naval nuclear propulsion is consistent with those obligations.

Finally, I note that United States Defence Secretary Austin has confirmed that submarines visiting Australia on rotation will be conventionally armed.