Hunter Class Frigate Program

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): My question is to the Premier. What practical outcomes did the Premier's mercy dash to Canberra achieve for the future of the Hunter class frigate shipbuilding program? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! There has not been a point of order taken, but I think it is well within my purview to form the view that the description of action by the Premier as a 'mercy dash' is an argument, so I am going to give the Leader of the Opposition the opportunity to recast the question.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: What impact did the Premier's trip to Canberra have on the Hunter class frigate shipbuilding program? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: On ABC Adelaide this morning, the Premier was asked if he was told during his trip to Canberra that the Hunter class frigate shipbuilding program would be cut to six ships and he responded 'no'.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:30): What practical outcome has South Australia got? Well, let me have a stab: a doubling of the workforce, billions of dollars' worth of investment, a continuous ship build in the future—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: —and a secure outcome for generations of workers to come.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Colton is warned. Order! The member for West Torrens! Order! Member for Hartley!

An honourable member: A warning.

The SPEAKER: I might.