In a speech in the Senate, Liberal Senator David Fawcett called on the Coalition to keep its promise to build Australias future submarines in Adelaide:
Australia needs a sub thats fit for purpose. It needs the sovereign ability to maintain it. And contrary to many critics, the most cost effective way to do that is, most likely, to do it here.It is about time someone from the South Australian Liberal Party joined Labor and stood up for our state, Labor Senator for South Australia Senator Penny Wong said.
Senator David Fawcett, Senate, 1 October 2014
But where are Christopher Pyne, Matt Williams and the other South Australian Liberals on this issue?
Why are they prepared to let the Coalition break its promise on submarines, costing South Australia thousands of jobs?
Before the election, the now Defence Minister stood outside ASC in Adelaide and promised to build Australias future submarines in our state.
"We will deliver those submarines from right here at ASC in South Australia. The Coalition today is committed to building 12 new submarines here in Adelaide."It is time all South Australian MPs held the Abbott Government to this promise.
[David Johnston Press Conference 8 May 2013]
Shadow Minister for Defence, Senator Stephen Conroy, said:
A Senate Committee heard last night that Defence is exploring the capabilities of Japanese submarines that the Government is considering purchasing for Australias Future Submarine Project.
This is despite warnings by submarine experts that they dont meet Australias unique needs for range, endurance and capability.