Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is directed to Senator Ellison representing the Minister for Defence. Can the minister confirm that the Navy submarine rescue vessel, the Remora, which sank off Rottnest Island three months ago, remains on the seafloor? Is it true that while the rescue vessel remains 125 metres underwater the Navy does not have any submarine rescue capability? What are the implications for the Navy’s submarine capability of not having a rescue vessel available? Does the government intend to salvage the rescue vessel or will it be abandoned and a new rescue vessel purchased? How long are either of these options likely to take and what will be the cost to the taxpayers?