Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this motion. Disclosure of material of the nature requested by Senator Whish-Wilson would be contrary to Australia's national interests, including for the reasons that it may be prejudicial to the security or defence of the Commonwealth and could prejudice international relations. The nuclear reactors that power submarines are a proven and safe technology. The science and technologies associated with them are highly specialised capabilities that will support classified national security activities across government. Over more than 60 years, the United Kingdom and the United States have operated more than 500 naval nuclear reactors without a single radiological incident. A sophisticated security and safety architecture will surround Australia's nuclear powered submarine program. Australia is unwavering in its commitment to safely and securely stewarding its nuclear powered submarines.