Future Submarines regulator unnecessary
The Australian defence industry has today dismissed calls to introduce additional
regulation to the Future Submarines Program instead encouraging the Government,
Defence and industry to work together to finalise the planning of key projects.
Australian Made Defence spokesperson, Margot Forster said creating further regulation for
the program before a contract had been signed was unnecessary, and that industry and
Government needed to focus on collaboration rather than additional regulatory bodies at
this early stage.
“The submarine program is a unique opportunity for industry to invest in the right skills and
technology to support the submarine capability of our Defence Force and our nation.
Additional regulation around this program before the specifics of contracts were finalised is
unnecessary and will cause delays,” said Ms Forster.
“Concerns about budget blowouts are – at such an early stage – unwarranted and doing
so will cause delays industry and the program cannot afford to face.
“There is not a contract in place and the supply chain is still under development. What is
important right now is giving industry the opportunity to plan and invest in the right skills,
technology and capabilities to deliver on this program for Defence.
“We need to take a step back and give the Government, industry and Defence a chance to
work together to make the right investment decisions to deliver the best outcomes for the
customer: our submariners, and our nation.
“The Federal Government has made a clear commitment to local industry, that it
anticipates as much as 90% of the work will be done in Australia. Now we need to turn our
focus to planning and delivery rather than additional red tape.
“Suggestions the Australian Strategic Policy Institute should act as the regulator for the
Submarines Program does not consider that ASPI have never been advocates of a local
build. We need parties involved in the local program who are willing to work with industry
to deliver the flow on benefits this program will bring to our national economy and our
communities.
“Now industry has the confidence and support from the Federal Government, it’s time we
give industry, Defence and Government the opportunity to deliver capabilities for our
Defence Force,” said Ms Forster.
