Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (14:16): My question is again to the Deputy Premier. Has the Deputy Premier had discussions with any South Australian defence and space companies in relation to the time frame for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PATTERSON: It has been reported in The Australian that the immediate suspension of the Defence Innovation Hub and scheduled introduction of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, scheduled in 18 months, is 'likely to cause a gap in sovereign defence industry innovation'.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (14:17): I think we should be very wary about assuming that what appears in the newspaper has any force or weight. This is a matter that is being studied at present and I am receiving briefings on.

The SPEAKER: Unless it appears in The Advertiser, of course. The member for Gibson, who has been waiting patiently.