Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given that Senator Farrell is doing a fine job, my question is also to Senator Farrell, as the Acting Leader of the Government in the Senate and representing the foreign affairs minister. Senator Farrell, how will the AUKUS submarine acquisition make Australia and our region much safer and stronger in this part of the world?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for his question. I know he has a deep interest in Australian security matters. The AUKUS optimal pathway, announced last week, is an unprecedented investment in our national power. The acquisition of nuclear powered submarines will be the single greatest defence capability acquisition in our history. I'll repeat that: it's the single greatest defence investment in our history. Our nuclear powered submarines will be an Australian sovereign capability commanded by the Royal Australian Navy and sustained by Australian shipyards.

Senators have heard members of the government speak of how our region is at the centre of a world that is being reshaped, of how we face our most challenging circumstances since the Second World War. AUKUS is one element of Australia's approach to addressing this strategic environment and contributing to strategic balance in our region. I hope senators would agree that Australia has a responsibility to contribute to a regional balance and capability that helps underpin regional stability. We want to ensure that no state will ever conclude that the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks, and so nuclear powered submarines are part of our contribution to this aim by transforming our ability to deter or respond to any future threats. As part of our contribution to the regional balance, these submarines add to collective security in a region where no country dominates and no country is dominated.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, first supplementary?

Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With my first supplementary I ask Senator Farrell how the AUKUS submarine acquisition will contribute to the Australian economy.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I once again thank Senator Ciccone for his question. The scale of partnership and commitment of this deal are unmatched. Governments, businesses and communities in all three countries are invested in this being a success for generations to come. AUKUS will create around 20,000 direct jobs over next 30 years. In particular, my state, South Australia, will be the home of Australian nuclear powered submarine construction. Labor has always stood up for South Australian shipbuilders, and now we're delivering with an historic investment. Up to 4,000 workers will design and build the infrastructure for the submarine construction yard at Osborne. A further 4,000 to 5,500 direct jobs are expected to build nuclear powered submarines in South Australia when the program reaches its peak. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, second supplementary?

Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Minister, how will Australia maintain its world-class non-proliferation credentials under the AUKUS submarine acquisition?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I once again thank Senator Ciccone for his question. Labor has a proud history of non-proliferation and disarmament advocacy. We are resolutely committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We are working openly and transparently with the International Atomic Energy Agency to develop a robust non-proliferation approach to underpin our program.

Let me be clear: Australia will never seek to acquire nuclear weapons. Our AUKUS partners recognise Australia's obligations under international law, including the Treaty of Rarotonga. Naval nuclear propulsion is consistent with those obligations.

Finally, I note that United States Defence Secretary Austin has confirmed that submarines visiting Australia on rotation will be conventionally armed.