George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Through you, Mr President: Senator Gallacher, I do not know how many times I have to tell you before the message penetrates, but we have made no decision. The National Security Committee of Cabinet, the cabinet and the Prime Minister have made no final decision in relation to the acquisition of the next generation Australian submarine. What I can assure you, Senator Gallacher, is this—and I think you know this: Australia alone cannot build the next-generation submarine. We will need an international partner, and at the moment potential international partners—France, Germany, Japan—are being evaluated through a competitive evaluation process. It is on that basis, on an evidence-based informed decision, that a final decision will be made.