Commitment to SA Shipbuilding Jobs

In November, the Albanese Government declined to join our AUKUS partners in a nuclear energy development pact.

Labor’s opposition to nuclear does little to instil confidence in the US and the UK, who are trusting Australia to lift our game in preparation for the arrival of nuclear-powered submarines from 2027 – just two years away.

It is counterintuitive that despite being willing to welcome nuclear-powered submarines to Australian ports, manage nuclear waste, and allow Australian Defence Force personnel to work and serve on nuclear-powered submarines, the Albanese Government continues to signal to our AUKUS partners that they are opposed to the concept of utilising nuclear power in Australia.

The AUKUS agreement is set to lead to the construction of eight nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia. This is a unique opportunity, not only because of the capability that will be acquired for our Royal Australian Navy but also because of the industrial and economic outcome for the city of Adelaide.

At its peak, up to 4,000 workers will be employed to design and build the infrastructure for the Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, South Australia.

A further 4,000 to 5,500 direct shipyard jobs are expected to be created to build nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia when the program reaches its peak.

AUKUS is a nation-building endeavour that will radically transform Australia's ability to defend ourselves as we face the most dangerous strategic environment since the end of the Second World War.

While Labor’s nuclear hesitancy undermines confidence in South Australia’s AUKUS nuclear submarine program, the Coalition remains steadfast in our commitment to this multigenerational endeavour and the economic and sovereign defence capabilities that it will create.