Sam was one of abc's favourite sons.

Notwithstanding the incredible stupidity of accepting a loan that could easily have been obtained on a credit card, are these comments meant to imply that Australian citizens and especially parliamentarians should not probe and challenge foreign policy?

Forget about the "submarines"...the RAN can't find enough crew to man the ones we already have. DMO can't recruit, retain or keep enough skilled tradespeople to maintain & repair the torpedo systems.

The whole show is, to paraphrase former Defence Minister Johnston..."not fit to build canoes...".

Along with a lame duck F35 programme (also yet to be delivered), the new submarines may as well have the optional flyscreens fitted for 'tropical operations' for all they are worth.

As usual, the sailor, soldier or airman tasked to operate these overpriced POS will do their job in newly made Chinese manufactured boots and uniforms...what a joke the past 20 years of Australian governments have been.

Something stinks real bad with that defence contract.
I read that DNS is building 6 nuclear submarines for someone else (can't remember who) for just over 20billion.
70 for 12 diesel electrics doesn't add up and all they are is an extension of US foreign policy.
What do we need intelligence subs for?

We need missile defense systems like the S-400 / S-500 and tactical nuclear deterrent capabilities and that's about it.

I'd tell the US to give us 6 Virginia class nuclear subs for free, or they can take all their military stuff on our shores and get the hell out.
Then I'd consider asking Russia if they want a base on our north-western shores in return for giving us missile defense capabilities.

If we must allow the Chinese to have land, at least restrict it to 20 years leases. Australia cattle and sheep stations are all leases they continue on.

We should not allow the Chinese to own Australian land. Australian land must be regarded as a key national strategic asset.