Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick pulls Nick Xenophon-like stunt over submarine jobs
South Australian Senator Rex Patrick has taken to Adelaide streets dressed as a submarine in a bid to get signatures for a petition for the Federal Parliament.
SA News
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It was a stunt reminiscent of his ex-boss Nick Xenophon.
South Australian senator Rex Patrick took to the CBD’s streets on Sunday dressed as a submarine in a bid to get signatures for a petition for the Federal Parliament.
“The Collins submarine full-cycle docking decision is pending and it’s my fear that it won’t be made on merit, rather on political grounds,” he said.
“This is such an important issue for SA. It involves 700 direct jobs, almost 800 supporting businesses and $400 million in annual economic activity for the state. And yet SA politicians are doing nothing.
“Premier (Steven) Marshall and SA federal members from the Liberal and Labor parties have been silent on the issue.
“In the absence of their representation in Canberra, I’m establishing a pathway for South Australians to have a direct say in the Parliament by way of a petition that I will table in the Senate.”
During a visit to Adelaide last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison remained tight-lipped about whether Collins Class submarine full-cycle docking would remain in SA, saying he would not rush the important decision.
But a debate about local content in the $50 billion future submarine supply chain is set to erupt again on Monday when Naval Group Australia and the Defence Department front a Senate hearing into Australia’s naval shipbuilding capability.
Naval Group Australia boss John Davis caused a stir earlier this month when he voiced concerns about the Australian defence industry’s capability.
Opposition defence spokesman Richard Marles said the comments had blown the lid off the Government’s claims of industry involvement.
“There is understandable frustration and anxiety among businesses and workers in SA that were promised by the Government that work and jobs would eventuate from this project,” he said.
“Rather than backing those businesses and workers, the Government, instead, secretly sent hull fabrication work off to France.
“Labor will use (today’s) hearing to seek an explanation from Naval Group and the Department of Defence for the mishandling of this critical acquisition.”