Smithson: Subs won’t roll out for 16 years so why the urgency with PM’s visit?

The PM was in town talking billions of dollars despite knowing the fifth AUKUS submarine won’t roll off the production line until 2057. Both Albo and Mali will be comfortably in aged care by then – if they can find a bed, Mike Smithson says.

Prime Minister’ Anthony Albanese’s visit to Osborne over the weekend was curious in its timing but, in the current political climate, totally predictable.

The first AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine to be built in South Australia is still 16 years away from completion, but a smartly attired Anthony Albanese saw it as crucial to visit the site on a sunny Sunday morning with his entourage.

Premier Peter Malinauskas was also dressed in a suit and tie in the steamy surrounds of a giant BAE Systems shed at Osborne in 30-plus degree heat, as his here-and-now showpiece LIV golf tournament teed off just down the road.

The shipyard was such a popular location that US Senator Tim Kaine dropped in 24 hours later ahead of another Labor announcement of a major skills package.

So, what were these high importance media events really designed for?

The state government goes into caretaker mode from this Saturday until the election.

That means the Premier can’t enter into new major projects, contracts or undertakings.

Anthony Albanese’s visit could’ve waited until well after the election, but in such campaigns the optics are everything.

Gifting $30 billion to SA over a long period is certainly an attention grabber and ideally timed before the Premier’s powers technically become dormant.

The government says the........

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