House of Assembly Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2) 54 2 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Answers to Questions Future Submarines Program Future Submarines Program Mr MALINAUSKAS House of Assembly Croydon Leader of the Opposition Future Submarines Program 153 Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (1 July 2020). What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the development of South Australia's skills base required for the domestic delivery of the Future Submarines Project? The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL House of Assembly Dunstan Premier Future Submarines Program The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier): I have been advised: Most defence companies have remained operational during COVID-19, which is a positive for the growth of the workforce and skills. South Australia's strong response to the pandemic may also attract suitable and skilled workers from allied nations once international borders reopen. During the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for the provision of industry driven education and training continued with a focus on the most immediate trades and professions required for the naval shipbuilding enterprise. The near term focus is on the supply of combat system engineers, systems engineers, designers (drafters), integrated logistics support, quality and structural engineers, as the priorities identified by the Naval Shipbuilding College. These roles are necessary for the design of both the Hunter class frigate and Attack class submarine. States and territories with border restrictions (including South Australia) have agreed to limited interstate movement to support defence national security priorities, which includes naval shipbuilding. The South Australian government is supporting our local defence industry through the crisis and the steps to a speedy recovery.