Senator JOHNSTON (Western Australia—Minister for Defence) (14:42): I thank the senator for the question. We welcome the inquiry that is being run by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee into the future of Australian shipbuilding and the robust discussions— Senator Kim Carr: Wrong one. Senator JOHNSTON: The economics committee, rather, and what occurred around the discussions relating to the future submarine program. I confirm that no decision has been taken by the government regarding this important capability. I point out that the former Labor government promised in 2007 that first-pass approval for 12 submarines would happen in 2011. Guess what? Nothing happened. In 2012, Prime Minister Gillard promised first pass in 2013-14. Guess what? Nothing happened. Labor promised in May of 2012 that a decision would be made on design and test facilities, including— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. Senator Moore, you have a point of order? Senator Moore: Mr President, I rise on a point of order on direct relevance. The question was specifically about comments made by Rear Admiral Briggs. 'Is Rear Admiral Briggs correct?' was the only question. The PRESIDENT: No, Senator Moore, there were two questions. The first question was 'Is the minister aware?' and the second part was, 'Is Rear Admiral Briggs correct?' The minister is halfway through his answer and the minister is aware of the question. Minister, you have the call. Senator JOHNSTON: Labor promised they would do a whole lot of things: land-based test sites, new systems, combat systems and torpedo sensors. They did nothing. Last night we had Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, Chief of Navy; Vice Admiral Peter Jones, head of capability group; Rear Admiral Greg Sammut, our most senior submariner; Warren King— Senator Moore: I rise on a point of order. Again, it concerns direct relevance. The minister has said that he is aware of the committee, but the specific question leading out of that was about evidence given by Rear Admiral Peter Briggs. We have not even got to him yet. Senator Conroy: He is the only person he has not mentioned— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Conroy. I remind the minister of the question. He has 34 seconds left in which to answer the question. Senator JOHNSTON: These officers of the department are senior, trusted, experienced members of the military who have insights into the current state of the submarine project. They have a combined total of 150 years of deep military knowledge, in the naval capability sense, and have current knowledge of the submarine program. Senator Moore: I rise on a point of order. Again, it concerns direct relevance. The minister has had his attention drawn to the question. There are now only six seconds remaining and we still have not got onto the core question about Rear Admiral Peter Briggs. The PRESIDENT: Minister, I do remind you of the question. You have six seconds left to answer your question. Senator JOHNSTON: These naval officers have given testimony in contradiction— (Time expired)