Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence. The AUKUS submarine deal appears to be creating division within government ranks. The Labor member for Fremantle is reported to have said:

While I support the work of the government, I'm not completely convinced that nuclear-propelled submarines are the only or best answer to our strategic needs.

The Labor member for Higgins, after questioning the decision to buy submarines in the Labor Party room, later issued a statement saying:

I fully support the government's announced Aukus plan.

Fully support, huh! This deal reportedly doesn't deliver a submarine to Australia for 10 years—I tell you, from where I'm standing, that's going to be on a good day. What's more, this government doesn't start building submarines in Australia for two decades. Can the minister explain to Australia how we can trust the government on this purchase when some of its own backbenchers do not?

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

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. I will start my answer by saying we are a democracy in the Labor Party, and people can express a point of view.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

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

Order on my left! This is a question asked by Senator Lambie, and the disorder coming particularly from my left is making it impossible for me to hear the minister's answer.

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

We've got a history of democratic thought in the Labor Party, and people have always been free to express a point of view, but I think the important thing here is—the AUKUS announcement last week was obviously a great triumph for Prime Minister Albanese, but a great triumph for our country. There are lots of details about the AUKUS decision, and I'd encourage everybody to ask questions, even the opposition. I don't think we've had a single question in the last two days about AUKUS. We haven't had a single question. I give you credit, Senator Lambie, for focusing on the issue. Can I say, I've got complete faith—

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

Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Hughes! Thank you.

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

I know they're embarrassed that they haven't asked a question, and Senator Lambie has had the courage to ask the questions. Can I say this: the Labor Party is 100 per cent behind the Prime— (Time expired)

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

Senator Lambie, first supplementary?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australian manufacturing was destroyed by the last government.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's right!

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Wait! During their government, we saw closures of manufacturing plants. They forced car manufacturers out, they slashed research and development, and they locked out apprentices out of work. Will the minister please explain how a deal that doesn't start building submarines for 20 years will help Australian manufacturing today?

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

I agree with you, Senator Lambie. It was a disgrace, the way in which the former government forced Holden and then Toyota out of this country. This government is about building things in Australia again. I take your point that the 10 years of delay under the former government in announcing when these submarines would be built has, of course, pushed back the date of the construction of those submarines. But, can I say this: there are a whole lot of other aspects that you have to build before you get to building the submarines. I'd be happy to host you down in Osborne, South Australia, to see some of the construction—

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I prefer the Clare Valley!

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

Well, I'd like to go there too. (Time expired)

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

Senator Lambie, a second supplementary?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll ask you to come to the state of Tasmania and I'll tell you why. In my state of Tasmania, we have apprentices learning their trade in TAFEs that are underfunded and under-resourced. This morning, I heard from a young electrical apprentice in Tasmania. He's being taught his trade on 1950s equipment with valves from the Soviet Union. When will this government make sure that our TAFEs have the equipment and resources required to adequately teach our kids to build submarines?

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

I will happily come down to Tasmania, as I just did recently to look at some of your wonderful tourism.

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

They're called vineyards!

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

No, there's more than vineyards down there! I went to see mushroom production. I went to the wooden boats exhibition. We're about creating jobs in the areas that you've specifically mentioned, Senator Lambie. I'm pleased you're asking questions about manufacturing jobs, because I haven't had a single question from the coalition on this issue. We are all about creating jobs in Australia, particularly—

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

Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Lambie?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just wanted to know when this government will be making sure that our TAFEs have the equipment and resources required to adequately teach our kids to build submarines. Is there a date or time line on that? That's all I'm looking for.

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

Thank you, Senator Lambie. I'll just remind the minister of the question that you asked.

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

We're doing this right now, Senator Lambie. We've revitalised the TAFE system in this country. (Time expired)