South Australian Minister for Defence Industries, Martin Hamilton-Smith, is outraged at comments by an Abbott Government Minister which criticised the Australian shipbuilding industry.

During Senate Question Time on Tuesday, Federal Defence Minister David Johnston criticised the performance of the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC), stating “you wonder why I wouldn’t trust them to build a canoe?”

“This is an effort by the Abbott Government to criticise and undermine the local industry in the hope it will give them cover to break their promise to build the next generation of submarines in Australia,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“The Abbott Government should be working with industry to develop a plan for continuous work flow and improving our nation’s shipbuilding capability.

“Instead they give a slap in the face to thousands of hard working men and women who build and maintain our naval fleet.”

Senator Johnston’s comments come on the back of Federal Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann, gagging the Acting Chief Executive of ASC during Senate Estimates hearings last week.

“The reckless comments by Senator Johnston are another example of the disdain the Abbott Government has for the ASC and local industry,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Mr Hamilton-Smith warned the fight for thousands of local jobs was far from over and that a proper approach to the future of the industry is needed.

“With $250 billion to be spent over the coming decades on the upgrade and sustainment of Australia’s naval fleet, all possible efforts have to be made ensuring that money is spent in Australia, supporting local workers and their families.

“This is about creating a strong naval capability and securing jobs for now and for our children.

“The South Australian Government continues to affirm its commitment to work with involved groups to ensure the next generation of submarines are built in Australia.”