My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Wong. The Western Australian government's Westport project proposes a new container port at Kwinana, close to major defence infrastructure supporting AUKUS. With these projects potentially competing for construction workers, materials and infrastructure capacity, what is the Commonwealth doing to prevent delays and cost blow-outs across both projects? Has the Commonwealth undertaken a security risk assessment of Westport's interaction with AUKUS facilities and operations, and, if so, will the government release its findings?

I thank Senator Payman for the question. I understand that there has been a lot of discussion about the Westport program, which is one of the most significant container port developments in decades, and we are, as a government, supporting the WA government to deliver this landmark infrastructure that will create lasting economic and social benefits for Western Australia and for the country.

The Commonwealth investment is in Westport planning and enabling infrastructure. It builds on the program that has been delivered by our government with the Cook Labor government, including Metronet, the Tonkin Highway Corridor, the Outback Way and the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. We will continue to engage with the WA government as they advance Westport. This is about ensuring and future-proofing Western Australia's trade capacity, and the investment is intended to help keep freight costs down, ease pressure on the price of everyday goods and support a pipeline of local jobs. Safe and efficient access to the future Westport precinct will support industry, create jobs and strengthen the Western Australian and national economies.

In relation to the workforce, obviously, there is great demand for skilled workers in Western Australia, both as a consequence of infrastructure and civil and defence investment and as a consequence of the size and success of the resources sector. You have seen this government invest in skills and in vocational training. We are very conscious of the importance of ensuring we have more skilled workers in our economy to meet these demands.

Senator Payman, first supplementary?

Have either of our AUKUS partners, the United States or the United Kingdom, raised concerns with the Australian government about Westport's proximity to submarine operations, its construction impacts or the security risks it could create?

Westport itself obviously is a civil infrastructure project. In relation to those other issues, I'll see if there's any further information I can provide, but what I can say is that it is important for us to ensure that we improve the infrastructure which underpins Australia's economy. Ports and logistics is one of the ways you can make sure that our economy is more efficient. That is good for economic growth, good obviously for productivity and, ultimately, good for national incomes.

Senator Payman, second supplementary?

Minister, has the Western Australian government formally requested Commonwealth funding for Westport, including any associated road, rail and marine infrastructure? If so, what is the total dollar amount requested? What percentage of the overall project cost does that represent? What conditions, if any, have been placed on this funding?

In my answer to your first question, I think I spoke about some of the support we were providing. I'd refer you to my answer.