Awaiting US meeting, Payne downplays worries over submarine deal

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has downplayed concerns a $50 billion project to build new submarines will not proceed because of the lack of an agreement between the Government and a French-owned company. The issue has arisen as Senator Payne prepares for a meeting in Washington with United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US national-security adviser John Bolton.

The shipbuilder designing Australia's new submarines has decided on their size and shape. (AAP) Source: AAP