The article by Geoffrey Barker ("Delayed white paper is a key test", AFR,   November 25) speaks clearly to the long-term strategic decisions [facing] the Minister for Defence. 
Industry has been working topromote the local build of Australia's future submarines and ships, and for good reason. Without a viable defence industry, much of our highly complex manufacturing skills will be lost. Those in the "build offshore" camp have long argued we should provide the cheapest option. But the current budget is the wrong currency, the Australian community needs a different metric.
The short-term budget consideration doesn't apply to long-term decision of a continuous shipbuilding plan. As recognised by Barker's article, the pending Defence White Paper will provide for a 10-year investment plan. Industry's experience shows the build of the required fleet of 12 Australian submarines will take 24 years to build.
Chris Burns,
Australian Made Defence campaign
Adelaide, SA