Payne, Sen Marise

Senator PAYNE (New South Wales—Minister for Defence) (14:55): I thank Senator Gallacher for that supplementary question. As progress continues towards the future submarines and, particularly, the integration of the combat systems—as I have said before, we have endorsed the combat system and heavyweight torpedo jointly developed by the United States and Australia as the main armament for the future submarines—that is involving industry-wide participation. It is a very important part of the process, and those jobs are starting now.