Morrison Government and Naval Group amend submarine agreement

摘要

Australia's Acting Defence Minister Marise Payne says the Morrison Government's Future Submarine Programme has reached a major milestone with the conclusion of negotiations between the Department of Defence and Naval Group for amendments to the Strategic Partnering Agreement they signed.The changes will see Naval Group's commitment to spend at least 60% of the contract value in Australia over the life of the programme reflected formally in the Strate¬gic Partnering Agreement, supporting Australian jobs in the defence industry.The amendments ensure that the achievement of Naval Group's commitment is now a contractual obliga¬tion, measured during the course of the programme, driving Australian industry involvement as the Attack class submarines are designed and delivered.The Acting Defence Minister said conclusion of the negotiations reflects the Australian government's joint commitment with Naval Group to Australian jobs, Australian industry and Australian sovereignty."Beyond maximising opportunities for engagement with Australian industry, this will also ensure that the Morrison Government's requirement for a sovereign Future Submarine capability is met," she said."Importantly, the amendments have been incorpo¬rated to uphold the current structure of the Strategic Partnering Agreement, which the Auditor General concluded had established a fit-for-purpose strategic partnering framework that addresses this government's objectives for the programme. These include maximising Australian industry involvement in all phases."The Minister said the announcement builds on the opportunity for industry to participate in the manufac¬ture of equipment designed by Naval Group worth hundreds of millions of dollars across the 12-boat fleet.The amendments complement existing require¬ments under Defence's contractual arrangements with Naval Group to drive Australian industry capability. This includes establishing procurement organisations in Australia, and the need to approach the Australian market in the first instance for the majority of equipment.Naval Group will continue to report the level of contract expenditure in Australia during the course of the Future Submarine Programme.