Andrews says ship plan widely applauded

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews says the government's naval shipbuilding plan has been applauded by industry and even by a Labor premier but not by the federal opposition.

Mr Andrews told parliament the decision to establish continuing production of new warships to replace the navy's Anzac frigates gave certainty to the shipbuilding sector and created up to 2500 long-term jobs.

South Australian premier Jay Weatherill said the plan created the continuity of work and jobs.