Shoebridge, Sen David

Senator SHOEBRIDGE: But, of course, Minister, there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the Optimal Pathway was agreed, which was now some two years ago. Last year, the Biden administration—and it's a determination that has been continued by the Trump administration—made it clear that it intends to put nuclear-armed cruise missiles on its Virginia class submarines. Since that announcement by the Biden administration, what steps have been taken to ensure that our hosting of US submarines in Garden Island is consistent with your statement, Minister, where you said: …we understand that acquiring this critical capability comes with a responsibility to strengthen even further the non-proliferation regime. How is hosting nuclear submarines, which have a high potential of carrying nuclear-armed cruise missiles, consistent with that statement? Senator Wong: I think Ms deZoeten has already answered that question, so I'd refer you to her answer.