TONY Abbott has sought to tie up his political support by opening the way for Adelaide-based shipbuilder ASC to bid for a lucrative tender worth at least $20 billion for the navy’s future submarines.
The assurance was part of a deal cut between the Prime Minister and key South Australian Senator Sean Edwards who said his support for Mr Abbott in a leadership contest would depend on the shipbuilder being given the greenlight to make a bid.
Treasurer Joe Hockey has ruled out an open tender on Australia's new submarines, arguing time is running out to start designing and building a fleet to replace the Collins Class boats.
