Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith has called on the Federal Government to explain why a group of Japanese Submarine experts are on a secret mission in Adelaide.
Media reports say a 40-strong delegation is inspecting the ASC base at Osborne, renewing the State Government’s fears that the Federal Government is preparing to build the next generation of submarines overseas.
“I am surprised that the South Australian Government was not informed about this visit,” Mr 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 saying:
“We will deliver those submarines from right here at ASC in South Australia. The Coalition
today is committed to building 12 new submarines here in Adelaide.”
Mr Hamilton-Smith said there’s been speculation in the media about submarines being built overseas, there’s been unfounded criticism of the Australian ship building industry.
“I think the South Australian people involved in the defence industry deserve some answers,” he said.
“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?
“What’s the purpose of the visit, who are these Japanese experts?
“First the automotive industry was abandoned off overseas. It now looks as if the Federal Government is planning the same fate for our shipyards.
“There are 27,000 defence jobs in this State, 3000 in ship building and industry activity worth
hundreds of billions of dollars over 30 years that hinge on this decision, due in the coming year. This adds to the uncertainty for South Australia’s defence industry and its workers.
“Will the Federal Government commit to building their submarines in Adelaide? This is bigger than Holden for South Australia; it’s about the very survival of manufacturing.
“The State Government will fight tooth and nail beside South Australian industry and workers
and other ship-building states to stop the Federal Government from selling off our industry.”