Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the $3.9 billion investment in the Osborne naval shipyard in South Australia, insisting the spending is 'affordable' despite criticism from opponents who label the submarine program unachievable. Speaking at the facility, Albanese highlighted the need for tough fiscal decisions to ensure Australia's defence capabilities, pointing to past failures under the previous government, including billions paid to France for submarines that were never built.
Albanese also took aim at the Liberal Party's internal strife, following the abrupt resignation of deputy leader Sussan Ley. He expressed pity that Ley, elected leader just months ago, was not given the chance to deliver a budget reply speech. The Prime Minister contrasted the Coalition's focus on internal politics with his government's commitment to representing all Australians.
The investment is expected to create continuous shipbuilding, providing secure, long-term jobs for workers in South Australia. Albanese compared the opportunity to the now-defunct car industry, noting that a 20-year-old worker he met could have a job for life. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed the Osborne facility will be the first in the southern hemisphere capable of building nuclear submarines, generating high-skill, high-wage jobs and positioning South Australia as the 'defence state'.
