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The federal government has officially launched the Australian Submarine Agency as the country moves towards conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines.
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The ASA, headquartered in Canberra, will be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of the nuclear-powered submarine program, after it’s official establishment earlier this week on 1 July.
The agency will be staffed by more than 350 personnel from the Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service, including those who have transitioned from the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce. That number is expected to almost double to more than 680 staff over the next year.
Personnel will be located nationally and overseas in the United States and the United Kingdom to work with communities, unions, industry, and governments to deliver the nuclear-powered submarine program.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the agency, established by executive order, is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity within the Defence portfolio and will report to the Minister for Defence.
“This is a significant day, marking our next step towards the acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, which is the single biggest investment in our defence capability in our history.
“The Australian Submarine Agency will be critical in delivering a game-changing capability for the defence of Australia and security of our region.
“I congratulate Vice Admiral Mead on his appointment as inaugural director-general and all members of the agency for the work they have done to date, and the work they will do to deliver this capability and keep Australians safe.”
Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead has been announced as the agency’s inaugural director-general. Vice Admiral Mead previously acted as the chief of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce to support the establishment of the pathway to acquire critical capability through the AUKUS partnership.
“I am proud to be leading the Australian Submarine Agency and recognise the significance of the task ahead as we deliver Australia’s conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines,” said Australian Submarine Agency director-general Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead.
“This nation-building program will be the most transformative industrial and technical endeavour in our history.
“I am committed to continuing to work with our AUKUS partners and all Australian stakeholders to deliver Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the Australian Submarine Agency will be vital in developing the capability needed to operate the nuclear-powered submarines.
“Our acquisition of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines will generate 20,000 jobs for the Australian economy,” he said.
“The agency will play a critical role not only in growing and developing the Australian industrial base to deliver conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, but will also strengthen our partnership with the US and the UK, to deliver a stronger, more secure Australia and Indo-Pacific region.”
