Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

I want to put on the list of the questions that we now have for the

We are aware, through the media, of at least some of the issues in respect of both the HMAS Canberra and the HMAS Adelaide. From 7 March this year, an issue was identified with the HMAS Canberra. It was returned to Sydney on 17 March, and the HMAS Adelaide was returned shortly after that. As I understand it, the HMAS Adelaide went into dry-dock on 17 May. The Canberra has been beside the Adelaide since around that time as well. Exactly what the issue is, though, with both these ships is a matter which, in our view, needs greater elucidation by the government, and that is in essence the question that I ask of the defence industry minister now: what are the concerns in relation to the Canberra class vessels and what is their immediate prognosis? We know, from the most recent round of Senate estimates, from the evidence provided by the Chief of Navy, that the exact nature of the issue in respect of the propulsion pods is still being determined. There seemed to be a suggestion that this may have something to do with a design flaw, but I put that in terms of the question. What we really need to understand is: what is the concern in respect of the Canberra class vessels?

I ask this also in the context of the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre. Talisman Sabre this year was intended to be the showcase for the Canberra class vessels. This was going to be the moment at which both vessels would be able to put through the full range of operational paces that they have, with a view to them being finally certified for service at the end of this year. As I understand it—but I pose these as questions for confirmation by the defence industry minister—the Canberra may participate in Talisman Sabre, although I am not sure that has been confirmed. It appears—but again I put this as a question—that the Adelaide will not be participating in Talisman Sabre and will not be active until later in the year. If that is right—that one of the two vessels will actually not participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre—that is obviously a considerable concern. This was a critical milestone in the development not only of the ships but, as I said earlier, the amphibious capability that the ADF has been seeking to develop, with the support of both the major parties. It is a critical element because this was a moment at which those soldiers and sailors who work with the platform would have an opportunity to do so in the context of Exercise Talisman Sabre, which is a unique moment to test these capabilities. That one of these vessels appears not to be participating, and potentially both, is obviously a concern. The questions I ask the minister in respect of the Canberra class vessels are: what is the issue; what is their immediate prognosis; can the minister confirm that the Adelaide will not be participating in Talisman Sabre; and can the minister confirm that the Canberra will be participating in Talisman Sabre? What light can the minister shed?

See this speech in context