An overwhelming 84 per cent of South Australians support the next generation of submarines to be built locally, compared to only 4 per cent who don’t favour it, according to a new survey.
Harrison Research compiled the results which also indicated a backlash against the Federal Government if it broke its pre-election promise to build 12 new submarines in South Australia.
The Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith said the poll highlighted the majority of South Australians are concerned that future job opportunities will be sold offshore.
“There is $250 billion of investment and tens of thousands of jobs at stake over the next 40 years. Every community, business and family in Australia will be affected in some way.”
“An independent report commissioned by the South Australian Economic Development Board estimated there would be a $29 billion negative impact on Australian GDP over the 40 year life of the project if the submarines were built overseas and the loss of 120,000 man years of work.
Following Mr Hamilton-Smith’s submission to the Senate Economics Reference Committee, Liberal Senators Sean Edwards, David Fawcett and Anne Ruston took a stand for South Australia and supported the growing push for an open tender on the submarine contract.
“Three Liberal Senators have stood up for South Australia but we need every single Liberal Member of Parliament in the state to show some leadership,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“This survey exposes a growing sense of betrayal within Australian communities as the Federal Government continues to engage with Japan, while ignoring expert advice.”
Before the election (May 8, 2013), Defence Minister David Johnston said “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.”
Last week Mr Johnston travelled to Tokyo to meet with his Japanese counterpart Akinori Eto and signed a technology exchange agreement.