❓ Question regarding WA's role in major naval construction projects and job creation. Premier responds, highlighting WA's involvement in air warfare destroyer project and potential for future amphibious ship contracts, criticising the federal government's approach.
AnsweredQoN 326Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Mr Speaker - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr N.R. MARLBOROUGH : I thank you for your protection, Mr Speaker; I appreciate it. I refer the Premier to his media statements and comments in this place on 31 May this year regarding Western Australia’s likely role in the construction of three air warfare destroyers for the Australian Navy. Can the Premier advise the house whether there is the prospect of more major projects of this nature with potential jobs for Western Australians? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
It was with some concern that I read the following in today’s The Australian - Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Australia’s shipbuilders have been put on notice that the navy’s two planned 25,000-tonne amphibious ships could be built offshore unless local firms can narrow the price gap. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
You will recall, Mr Speaker, the announcement we made a month ago that ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd has been chosen to build three air warfare destroyers worth up to $6 billion. Basically, that work will be undertaken in South Australia. However, the government is very confident that parts of that project will be constructed in Western Australia, and, indeed, we expect up to 500 jobs to be created for businesses in and around the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound. This was an issue on which South Australia and Western Australia worked together, and this state has a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian government. The fact the project went to South Australia rather than Victoria is very good news for us. We have been building up our shipbuilding industry for many years. The Australian Marine Complex is part of the Henderson precinct, where skilled labour comprising very talented people in excellent companies engage in the shipbuilding industry. We want to ensure we maximise the outcomes from public and company investments. Most importantly, we want to maximise the opportunities for people who live in the area to get good jobs for the future. The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The federal government is considering the construction of amphibious ships in a $2 billion contract. These will be the biggest naval ships ever constructed. They will be used to transport a fully equipped Army battalion, including helicopters, on military operations abroad. This is a massive project involving many jobs. We know two things about this industry. First, when considering the costs involved in the creation of naval ships, one must look at the total lifespan of the ships, and maintenance and the attached skills are part and parcel of the cost. If ships are built elsewhere with technology from somewhere other than Australia, problems will arise with the maintenance of those ships in the next phase of their life. Second, we are talking about Australia’s defence industry, which has strategic importance for our nation. It is unbelievable that the federal government is considering going overseas with this project. We want our companies in Western Australia and our precinct in Henderson to have the opportunity to compete for these contracts. This is very important for the future of our state and for good government. It is also very important for the future of our defence industry. This issue of our shipbuilding industry and our defence precinct south of Fremantle illustrates how the Howard government is losing the plot. Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney : You’re obsessed with John Howard, aren’t you? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : Order! I am sure members on my left have finished their comments. Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : A very interesting political phrase is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. From the day that John Howard knew that he would have a majority in the Senate, the nature of Australian politics changed. John Howard has lost the plot. The federal government wants to take control of areas about which it has no knowledge or for which it has no responsibility. It is losing its compass on the good governance of Australia. This is another good example of the loss of the federal government’s political compass on the future needs of Australia. The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The shipbuilding industry has been very successful because of the many skilled workers who work within it. Those workers have built up their skills over the years with support from the government and the companies that employ them. John Howard is saying to those workers that they have done all those things and contributed to the future of the country, but that the federal government does not really trust them. The federal government will restrict their right to work collectively to achieve their objectives. Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr M.J. Birney : Tell us how. Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : I will tell members something: no society can become a true community if its government does not trust its workers. That is what John Howard’s problem is. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Vasse and the Leader of the Opposition.
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