Federal minister Chris Pyne has moved to quash speculation the Abbott Government is preparing to build the next generation of submarines overseas.
The South Australian government renewed its concerns this morning after reports of a “secret” visit by Japanese submarine experts to a naval shipbuilding base in Adelaide.
The Advertiser reported today that “40 Japanese submarine experts have toured the ASC base at Osborne, increasing fears the Federal Government is looking to reverse its pre-election commitment to build the next generation of boats in Adelaide”.
The Federal Government later confirmed that there were 16 visitors.
Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith issued a statement expressing surprise at the secrecy of yesterday’s visit, and said the State Government had not been told.
“I am surprised that the South Australian Government was not informed about this visit,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“Before the election (May 8, 2013), Defence Minister David Johnston stood at ASC and promised Australia’s Future Submarines would be built in Australia.
“The Federal Government needs to explain why this Japanese delegation was kept secret, why was the State Government not consulted, why were South Australians kept in the dark?”
But Pyne, the member for Sturt and a senior member of federal Cabinet, poured cold water on the speculation during his regular spot on ABC radio’s local breakfast program.
“There’s no threat to the submarine project whatsoever,” Pyne said.
“The PM made it clear on the weekend that South Australia would be the major beneficiary of the new submarines project; he said there would be thousands of jobs.”
Defence Minister David Johnston also rejected claims the delegation’s visit was “secret” or a threat to South Australia’s future.
Johnston confirmed that 16 Japanese submarine experts had visited the base but said the visit was linked to a broad bilateral agreement between the two countries.
“They’re down here looking at defence science and technology and we are discussing ways whereby we may both collaborate in that space to the mutual advantage of each of our countries,” he told ABC Radio.
