Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

My plan is to implement the AUKUS arrangements that we are committed to. I'll do that for a range of reasons. I'll do that primarily, though, for one reason, which is that it is in the Australian national interest for us to have the best defence assets that are possibly available to Australia. When we have briefings, I am happy to arrange for appropriate briefings for the member for Goldstein on these matters. If you are an island continent located where we are, the best asset you can possibly have is a submarine. But. importantly, you have to then ask yourself: what is the best form of submarine in terms of stealth and in terms of capacity to go long distances while not having to snort and rise to the surface and what is the best way that you can ensure that you are not detectable? The answer to that is nuclear powered submarines. That is something that we have supported because we think it is absolutely essential for Australia's national interest.

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