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

I thank Senator Molan for his question and also for his unwavering commitment to Australian defence and defence capability. I'm very proud that the Morrison government is firmly committed to Australia's national security, keeping Australians safe and also creating more jobs for Australian workers. That's why the Morrison government is building the future submarines right here in Australia, with Australian workers and with Australian steel. On this side of the chamber we understand that our future submarines are an essential capability for Australian defence and, unlike those opposite, we are acquiring this new capability.

Last week I met with the French defence minister, Florence Parly, and we discussed the ongoing implementation of the Future Submarine program, which is currently in the preliminary design phase. This was a productive meeting, with both Australia and France reaffirming our full commitment to the program but also acknowledging the key role it plays in understanding and underpinning our growing strategic partnership. Minister Parly was absolutely crystal clear in her commitment and support for an ambitious target to maximise Australian industry capability and for meeting project milestones. We will personally meet quarterly to monitor costs and schedules this year to ensure that the next milestone, due in January 2021, is met.

The delivery of the Future Submarine program is hugely ambitious and complex. This is why we have been tough in our negotiations in finalising the strategic partnering agreement and we have implemented a robust fit-for-purpose risk management framework to get this critical capability right.