Collins, Sen Jessica

Senator COLLINS: Absolutely. I believe, though, that we are preparing for nuclear-powered submarines, so are any of them able to host a Virginia-class submarine? Ms Perkins : In the past, a number of existing sites have hosted visiting nuclear-powered submarines. The Chief of Navy, who will be much more qualified to respond, is here. Vice Adm. Hammond : We have hosted Virginia-class submarines at a number of different east coast ports in Australia, including Gladstone in Queensland and, most recently, the Port of Brisbane. The sovereign requirement for an east coast submarine base has been discussed for some time, and the time line for making a decision is later this decade rather than the here and now. CHAIR: Senator Henderson.