Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:17): The silly word games of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, once again, provide a window into the Australian Labor Party's thinking when it comes to the affairs of this nation and especially its defence requirements. As I have already indicated to the honourable senator, Senator Edwards made a statement after that Sky interview—indeed, as recent as one hour ago—to this place that said: The assurance I sought was very simple. I asked for Australian companies like the ASC to have the right to compete for the Future Submarines project on merit. That is the very assurance I got, and that is the very assurance that stands today. And this coming from a cabinet minister in the former government, which ensured that not a single naval vessel was built in Australia during the Labor regime! Indeed, the only one that was purchased, the HMAS Choules, was bought from the United Kingdom. (Time expired)