Western Australia’s naval shipbuilding and submarine sustainment industry will take a major step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Western Australian Government and ASC. ASC is a Commonwealth Government Business Enterprise, that built and now sustains the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarine fleet.
ASC was selected as the Sovereign Submarine Partner of the nation’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) and the joint builder of AUKUS SSNs in Australia by the Commonwealth Government. Sustainment activities will be conducted in Western Australia.
The Memorandum of Understanding will seek to promote and develop the Western Australian defence industry and support the sustainment of Australia’s conventional and nuclear-powered submarines.
Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating and supporting Western Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into the ASC supply chain as well as training and developing the future workforce for submarine sustainment in Western Australia.
The Cook Government intends to maximise the economic impact the AUKUS program will have in Western Australia, due to the State’s strategic location as Australia’s gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said: “Western Australia is about to realise a monumental opportunity to expand and diversify its economy through the growth of our defence industry. ASC has operated in Western Australia for many years, and this Memorandum of Understanding strengthens and deepens the State’s relationship with the Commonwealth’s submarine builder and sustainer. The Western Australian Government is particularly motivated to see more of our small and medium businesses given opportunities within the ASC supply chain, given the tremendous capabilities our State has in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.”
Acting Minister for Training and Workforce Development Hannah Beazley said: “The WA defence industry workforce is recognised as one of the most highly educated, qualified and skilled of its type anywhere in the world and that is due to our ongoing commitment to provide training and workforce initiatives. Growing the defence industry workforce, to ensure we have the right skills at the right time to deliver the AUKUS Optimal Pathway, is a key priority for the State Government. The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27, underpins our Government’s $35 million investment in training and workforce initiatives to ensure WA has a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the demands of the defence industry now and into the future.”
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