House debates Questions without Notice
Defence Industry
Richard Marles Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence
2:58 pm
My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry. The contract for Australia's Collins class submarines includes a requirement for 70 per cent local content, which was ultimately exceeded. This government asserted to Australian workers that 90 per cent of the Future Submarines contract would be local content. So why on earth is there no binding percentage requirement for local content in the government's contract for the Future Submarines?
Melissa Price Durack, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence Industry
We are delivering a sovereign defence capability. As I said in my last answer, mandating a minimum portion to Australian industry, particularly at this time, during the design phase, would be counterproductive.
Melissa Price Durack, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence Industry
We won't be lectured by those opposite.
Melissa Price Durack, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence Industry
I'd like to know how many submarines those opposite were considering building. I think it's zero.