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

I am not familiar with Vice Admiral Kobayashi's remarks, but if that is what the retired vice admiral said then I do not agree with the proposition that Australian shipyards do not have a high level of skill and proficiency—because they do. That is why this government has progressed the air warfare destroyer project, which was left in tatters by your government. That is why this government, as a result of the competitive evaluation process, is going to select an international partner—

Senator Kim Carr interjecting—

an international partner yet to be selected—who will partner with the Australian shipbuilding industry to produce the best result for the Australian people.