Senator David Johnston, the Australian Minister of Defence announced about the government's was committed to creating a sustainable naval shipbuilding industry. He informed that the Government would be investing in a safe and secure Australia.
As part of this commitment – and building towards the release of the Defence White Paper – the Government today announces a three point plan that will create a sustainable naval shipbuilding industry that supports shipbuilding jobs.
In this regards he stated that :
* Firstly, the Government will work with industry to fix the Air Warfare Destroyer program.
* Secondly, the Government will create a sovereign submarine industry and avoid a submarine capability gap.
* Thirdly, the Government will create a naval shipbuilding industry around a fleet of future frigates - provided industry productivity continues to improve.
This plan recognises the significant value to our nation of a skilled naval shipbuilding workforce.
"Conscious of the financial disaster left to us by the former government," Mr Johnston said, "We will continue to ensure that our Navy is served with the best capability at the best price."
Announcements about specific programs would be made in due course.