ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM
STATEMENT ON AUKUS INQUIRY
I welcome further discussion on AUKUS and understand that many people have different views on AUKUS.
While the government has no formal role on this inquiry, we have been clear that we welcome factual discussions. On a personal note, I greatly appreciate Peter Garrett’s contribution to public life and his passionate advocacy on many issues.
I would encourage everyone in our community, and particularly those engaging in this process, to ensure that this discussion is based on facts. We have seen considerable mis and disinformation being circulated on this issue which only creates an unnecessary level of angst and division.
In particular, recent comments from a number of individuals asserting that the government is planning an east coast base in Port Kembla and jobs at BlueScope are under threat are simply not true.
These comments have been based on old documents that were produced under the previous NSW and Federal Liberal Governments.
To assert that plans for a submarine base at Port Kembla are the current plans of the current NSW and Federal government is factually wrong.
In early 2022, immediately before the election, the former Morrison Government announced the selection of three proposed locations - Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla – for an east coast facility without any consultation. This was clearly a political stunt aimed at dividing communities.
Upon coming to government and following the Defence Strategic Review in 2023, the Albanese Government scrapped Scott Morrison’s list of preferred locations to ensure that any process going forward includes proper due diligence, consultation and transparency.
The government has been very clear that no decision will be made on an east coast submarine base until the 2030s.
At that time, all possible options for an east coast base will be considered. No decision has been made.
With regard to AUKUS more generally, it is important to remember that we are an island nation and much of our manufacturing and energy industries as well as general population are based along our coastline. We need a credible plan for our future submarine fleet when our current submarines reach the end of life. I am sure industry on the east coast, including the steelworks at Port Kembla, would welcome additional seaborn protection as it did in World War II.
The previous Coalition Government had planned two agreements to build our next class of submarines – plan A was Japan, plan B was France – they pulled out of both, damaging our international reputation in the process and leaving us with a potential capability gap. AUKUS is Plan C and is necessary for Australia’s national security.
The Minister for Defence has been clear that there is no Plan D.
We also cannot deliver a multi-decade endeavour unless we stick with our plan.
Importantly, these submarines will help Australia become more self-reliant and will build our national sovereignty.
The Albanese Government is investing in Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia to create a sovereign submarine building industry. This will support a future made in Australia and a secure future for thousands of Australians who will benefit from high-skilled, well-paid jobs for generations to come.
In addition to numerous public discussions, consultations and engagements, the AUKUS partnership agreement has also had oversight through existing Parliamentary committees and scrutiny through the Senate Estimates process, providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about AUKUS. The newly established Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence will also provide a further mechanism for parliamentary oversight.
AUKUS is a massive national endeavour and we need to make sure we get this right. That means consulting with community which we have, and will continue, to do.
I would like to re-iterate that I welcome this discussion but encourage the contributors to ensure that the discussion is based on fact and not mis and disinformation. Not only does this make for better dialogue, it does not mislead or create unnecessary fear in communities.
