Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Materiel) Share this | Hansard source

I think there are a number of assumptions built into the question which I am not going to concede from this point. What the government has said is that we are learning the lessons of the Collins program.

Australia has particular capability needs which are being addressed through the Collins program. We are looking to the future in terms of the purchase of additional submarine capabilities, and we will draw upon the lessons we have learned in that regard. The advice I have is that the Navy is able to meet the requirements that are set for them in submarine availability and is responding to operational needs in an appropriate way.