Senator PAYNE (New South Wales—Minister for Defence) (14:01): In fact, what I think should be placed on the record is the capability that the Collins class submarine is currently demonstrating and the work that it has done. We have, if not five, definitely four boats currently in the water of the six boats in the fleet. In fact, there are two off South Australia. We value very much the role that the Collins class submarine plays. However, recognising that it will, as all good things, come to an end, we have commissioned through the competitive evaluation process— Senator Moore: Mr President, I rise on a point of order on direct relevance. The quote from Mr Abbott was 'a fragile capability at the best of times'. We are asking whether the minister agrees with that. I do not believe that that particular question has been answered. The PRESIDENT: In the context of how the minister was answering the question, I think she was being directly relevant. She has been talking about the Collins class submarines. I think we have to give her the opportunity to complete answer. Senator PAYNE: I did indicate the capability of the Collins class submarines currently operating on behalf of the nation, with the strong support of the Chief of Navy, who I think has recently commented favourably on their activity as well. But we recognised, unlike those opposite, that decisions had to be made in relation to the acquisition of future submarines, so we commissioned a competitive evaluation process. (Time expired)