Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Then, in 2016 we saw those opposite prematurely down select the bidders for the future submarine to one, without competing on the design of the submarine—a decision which involved billions of dollars—so that they could have a slightly more convincing press conference on the eve of the 2016 election. What is consistent with all of this is that the Liberals love the politics of defence but have zero interest in defence policy.

Under the Albanese government things are very different, because we're not concerned about politics; we're only interested and focused on the national interest. There is a power of work underway, right now, with our partners in the United Kingdom and the United States about what will be the optimal pathway for Australia's future, nuclear powered submarine. We're on track to be able to make that announcement in the first part of next year, and building a nuclear submarine in this country will be one of Australia's great national endeavours. It will transform our strategic posture, it will build our sovereignty and it will empower Australia as a nation.

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