Future Submarine Program

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne made numerous false claims today about what I have said in the past in relation to the Future Submarine Program, including my views on the type of submarine that Australia should have and where I think they should be built.

These statements by Minister Pyne were a repeat of past false claims, which does not make them any truer.

From 2010 to 2016, leveraging off my experience serving on submarines and then managing a number of sonar-related projects, I wrote a series of 50 articles that were designed to encourage public debate on the Future Submarine Program - including the capability aspects, technical aspects, risk aspects, political aspects and a number of the industrial aspects.

During that time, I explored the issue of whether we could design a submarine as well as whether we could build a submarine.

I came to the conclusion that Australia should not attempt to design its own submarine (the risk profile was too high and I note we have engaged a reputable and experienced international partner to assist us) but that we could certainly build it here in Australia.

This is evident to anyone who has the entire article set.

Nick Xenophon provided the full 50 articles to Minister Pyne who is now cherry picking from them to produce falsehoods.

I am happy to provide the full article set to anyone that would like a copy.

As someone whose career path has been confined to the transition from student politician to professional politician, Minister Pyne is out of his depth in a portfolio that requires real expertise in complex project management.