Defence Shipbuilding

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): My question is again to the Premier. Has the Premier received confirmation from the Prime Minister that the federal government will honour its commitment for the full life-of-type extension for all six Collins class submarines?

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:06): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I have spoken to the Prime Minister of the nation around our submarine program naturally on more than one occasion. In fact, as recently as Monday I had the opportunity to address the beginning moments of the federal cabinet meeting that was held here in Adelaide. Obviously, given that opportunity, the naval shipbuilding program was something that we discussed.

In respect of the specifics of the Leader of the Opposition's question around the life-of-type extensions, yes, both the Deputy Premier and myself have sought those reassurances from the commonwealth. Most of those discussions, if not all of those discussions, have principally been with the Deputy Prime Minister, though, as the defence minister.