Submarine Program

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:58): Would the minister advise the house whether any of the three bidders asked the government for any particular support so that they could build submarines here in South Australia?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:58): I am not going to discuss any confidential matter that may or may not have been discussed with any of the bidders. I would simply say this: the state government is in very close consultation with each of the three bidders.

I have been to each of the shipyards. I have spoken to each of the tenderers. I can tell you that, were it not for the state government's engagement on this matter, these submarines may already have been decided to have been built overseas by the Liberal Party—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: —because that's what you wanted to do and you didn't care less. It's a lack of leadership from your leader on this for 18 months.

Mr Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Well, isn't the member for Morialta being something of a wet blanket? Isn't everyone having such a good time?

Mr GARDNER: No, I just draw your attention, sir, that I think there's a problem with the microphones.