The Australian defence industry has 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.
