David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I reject that premise and contention that the honourable senator has put forward. Prior to the election, the former Labor government promised $448 million. This government has committed $500 million to the project. The government has made an assessment, I am advised, upon the basis of which project can be brought on efficiently, cost effectively and quickly. This is the way this government does its business. Let us get on with the job. We are open for business. We are not going to be hostage to some quaint preference by the South Australian government. We want to see some action. We have put the money on the table. We have paid for the business case model to be developed. We want to see it start.