‘That’s why we’ve been picked’: Fraser-McGurk rejects Healy criticism
Healy had earlier said "other companies might have been better than Western" for submarine project
Defence Minister Peter Dutton has backed the decision to grant French company Naval Group the multi-billion dollar Attack-class submarine project.
The lucrative contract to build 12 new submarines for the Australian Navy was awarded to Naval Group in 2016, despite concerns raised by some experts about the company's track record.
In a recent interview, former defence minister Brendan Nelson said he believed "other companies might have been better" than Naval Group for the project.
However, Dutton has defended the decision, saying that Naval Group was chosen "on merit" after a "competitive tender process".
"We picked Naval Group because they were the best tenderer," Dutton said.
"They had the best technology, they had the best experience, and they had the best price."
Dutton also said that he was "confident" that Naval Group would deliver "a world-class submarine" for the Australian Navy.
"This is a very important project for Australia," Dutton said.
"We need to have the best possible submarines to protect our country and our interests."
Fraser-McGurk rejects Healy criticism
Meanwhile, the head of Naval Group Australia, John Fraser-McGurk, has rejected criticism of the company's performance on the Attack-class submarine project.
Healy had earlier said that he was "disappointed" with Naval Group's progress on the project, and that he had "raised his concerns" with Dutton.
However, Fraser-McGurk said that Naval Group was "making good progress" on the project, and that he was "confident" that the company would meet its contractual obligations.
"We're on track to deliver the first submarine in 2035, and we're confident that we will meet all of our contractual obligations," Fraser-McGurk said.
"We're working closely with the Commonwealth to ensure that the Attack-class submarines are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest possible standard."
