Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As I said, the Liberal-National government has made a firm commitment to build regionally superior submarines in Australia and in South Australia in particular. Again, unlike the Labor government, who made no progress at all during six years in office, we have got on with business. This year alone, the government has taken significant steps. We signed the strategic partnering agreement with Naval Group on 11 February this year, which details the enduring provisions under which the Commonwealth and also Naval Group will work to design, construct and deliver the attack-class submarines.

On 25 February, Naval Group and ASC signed a framework agreement to develop a sovereign operational and sustainment capability right here in Australia. The submarine design contract was signed on 1 March this year. This contract is worth more than $600 million and will see the design work progress through until 2021. We have made great progress towards delivering the attack-class submarine under a clear plan and the leadership of this government.