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Thursday, 10 May 2012
Page: 3300

Defence: Submarines

(Question No. 1595)

Senator Johnston asked Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 March 2012:

For the period 1 July to 31 December 2011:

(a) which submarines in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet were non operational; and

(b) for each submarine that was non operational, what was the reason for its non operational status.

(2) For the period 1 July to 31 December 2011, which submarines in the RAN fleet were: (a) fully operational and ready to respond to 'war like' situations; and (b) for what periods.

(3) What was the cost of maintaining the six submarines for the periods: (a) 1 July to 31 December 2011; and (b) 1 January to 31 December 2011.

(4) What was the total cost of operating the six submarines for the periods: (a) 1 July to 31 December 2011; and (b) 1 January to 31 December 2011.

(5) What was the total cost of upgrading the six submarines for the periods: (a) 1 July to 31 December 2011; and (b) 1 January to 31 December 2011.

(6) What were the crewing complements for each of the six submarines for each month in the periods: (a) 1 July to 31 December 2011; and (b) 1 January to 31 December 2011.

Senator Chris Evans: The Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) (a) (b) (2) (a) (b). As explained in responses to Senate Question on Notice No.759 of July 2011 and Questions on Notice No.34, No.37, and No.38 from the October 2011 Estimates hearing, Navy now applies the definition of 'operating cycle' in unclassified responses to questions on the operational status of naval vessels. The operational status of submarines in accordance with this definition for the period 1 July to 31 December 2011 has been reported in the response to Senate Question No.1601.

(3) (a) The total cost of maintaining the six submarines over the period 1 July to 31 December 2011 was $214.5 million.

(b) The total cost of maintaining the six submarines over the period 1 January to 31 December 2011 was $477.3 million.

(4) (a) The total cost of operating the six submarines over the period 1 July to 31 December 2011 was $81.9 million.

(b) The total cost of operating the six submarines over the period 1 January to 31 December 2011 was $165.6 million.

(5) (a) The total cost of upgrading the six submarines over the period 1 July to 31 December 2011 was $20.3 million.

(b) The total cost of upgrading the six submarines over the period 1 January to 31 December 2011 was $45.2 million.

(6) (a) Submarines were crewed as follows over the period 1 July to 31 December 2011:

(i) HMAS Collins - full complement from August 2011 following transfer of the crew from HMAS Waller.

(ii) HMAS Farncomb - full complement throughout.

(iii) HMAS Waller - full complement until August 2011, at which time the crew transferred to HMAS Collins.

(iv) HMAS Dechaineux - full complement throughout.

(v) HMAS Sheean - not crewed throughout.

(vi) HMAS Rankin - not crewed throughout.

(6) (b) Submarines were crewed as follows over the period 1 January to 31 December 2011:

(i) HMAS Collins - not crewed until August 2011, then full complement for the remainder of the year.

(ii) HMAS Farncomb - full complement throughout.

(iii) HMAS Waller - full complement until August 2011, then not crewed for remainder of year.

(iv) HMAS Dechaineux - full complement throughout.

(v) HMAS Sheean - not crewed throughout.

(vi) HMAS Rankin - not crewed throughout.