Question Time

Defence Shipbuilding

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:09): Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I would like to reiterate that welcome. The Premier and I and the Hon. Robert Simms got to meet with the group at lunchtime and it was a very good time.

Does the Premier stand by his comments and support of Spanish shipbuilder Navantia's proposal to build three air warfare destroyers? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: On 25 August 2022, the Premier said that he supports Navantia's proposal to build three new air warfare destroyers, including that he would, and I quote:

...be advocating to the federal government in Canberra on behalf of the people in South Australia to ensure our state is in the best possible position to seize this opportunity.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:09): We support any shipbuilder that wants to build ships in South Australia. Our preoccupation isn't to favour one shipbuilder over another. Our preoccupation is to make sure that we favour those shipbuilders who are willing to invest, engage and, critically, employ South Australians. That is our focus.

BAE represents the principal shipbuilder in South Australia with whom the South Australian state government enjoys an outstanding working relationship, and we desperately hope that BAE is able to maintain if not grow its presence in South Australia in the not too distant future. In respect of BAE, as the Minister for Education can attest, we are exceptionally proud of the fact that there are now students enrolled to start at Findon Technical College next year. They enrolled in the advanced manufacturing course in the knowledge that when they complete that course and graduate from Findon with their—

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: Order! Premier, there is a point of order from the member for Morialta, which I will hear under 134.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Standing order 98: the question was about whether the Premier maintains his support for Navantia's proposal. The Premier is now talking about BAE's engagement with the future Findon Technical College, which has absolutely nothing to do with Navantia's proposal.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Schubert, order! It has long been the practice of Speakers to permit a degree of context, and some latitude is offered to the Premier as well as the Leader of the Opposition. I will listen carefully.

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has the call.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: As I was saying, BAE has engaged with the state government around its technical college so that those students who graduate from the advanced manufacturing course at Findon are more or less guaranteed a job at BAE Systems. We would want to see any other shipbuilder follow that model, Navantia or otherwise. The more employers in our state who want to engage with us in the same way that BAE do, to provide young South Australians, young men and women, the opportunity to acquire a skill at one of our new technical colleges at school and then graduate with a guaranteed high-quality, well-paid, long-term secure job, the more of that. The more of that—that's right.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: All in one breath, sir!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: This is an industry where our government partners with all concerned who are willing to invest and employ in our state.