Defence Minister Christopher Pyne has denied reports that a project to build a dozen new Australian navy submarines is behind schedule due to ongoing negotiations over a long-term contract.
"There is no delay to the program, or the schedule or the budget," he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.
French shipbuilder Naval Group will design and build the 12 submarines for $50 billion, with construction due to start in Adelaide in 2022.
The company has signed a contract with Australia's defence department covering the design process and preparation for the build.
But a longer-term contract has not yet been settled, with reports emerging that protracted negotiations could delay submarine construction.
Mr Pyne says that is not the case, with the negotiation "on track".
"Sure, it is very important that it be got right, because it's the long-term contract and therefore we are not rushing into signing it but nor is it delayed," he said.
"There is a negotiation. Negotiations by their very nature take time."
The defence minister has also rejected claims that he has refused to meet with the French armed forces minister Florence Parly or representatives from the Naval Group.
Mr Pyne said he has met with both in Adelaide during the past week.
"Of course, I am meeting with everyone who needs to be talked to about these matters because that's part of my job," he said.
The first of the new submarines are due to enter service in the early 2030s.
