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The Albanese government has convened a Project of Concern Summit in Canberra today, focused on the ongoing sustainment of Australia’s ageing yet critical Collins Class submarines.
Chaired by Minister for Finance Senator Katy Gallagher and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, the summit brought together senior representatives from government and industry, including key stakeholders from ASC Pty Ltd, the lead contractor responsible for maintaining the fleet.
With the Collins Class submarines now expected to serve well beyond their original design life, the Albanese government has committed up to $5 billion over the next decade to extend their operational lifespan. This investment aims to prevent any capability gap as Australia transitions to its future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
The Collins Class boats, first commissioned in the 1990s, remain a cornerstone of Australia’s undersea warfare capability. However, their continued effectiveness hinges on a robust and forward-looking sustainment plan. Efforts are already underway to grow the submarine sustainment workforce and enhance productivity at key facilities, particularly in South Australia and Western Australia.
The summit follows the decision to list the Collins Class sustainment program as a product of concern in 2024. It marks the latest in a series of targeted engagements designed to address long-running challenges in defence procurement and sustainment.
Notably, Collins Class submarine sustainment was previously listed as a product of concern from 2008 until 2017, spanning multiple governments. The relisting in 2024 reflects Defence’s renewed commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, according to government sources.
Minister Conroy said Labor’s reinvigorated Projects and Products of Concern framework was restoring trust and driving tangible progress across Defence industry programs.
“The former Coalition government did not value this process. Labor has delivered much-needed stability to the Defence portfolio, which is helping to drive cultural change and deliver capabilities to keep Australians safe,” Minister Conroy said.
“This is the ninth overall summit held under the Albanese government in just over three years, compared to the former Coalition government which only managed to hold four in almost a decade in office.”
“ASC is committed to working with Defence to improve Collins Class submarine sustainment performance and to effectively deliver safe and high-quality sustainment of Collins Class submarines.”
Today’s summit is part of a broader push by the Albanese government to lift transparency and ministerial oversight of complex Defence projects. The Projects of Concern process now serves as a key mechanism to bring Defence and industry together in the national interest – particularly when critical capabilities, such as the Collins Class submarines, are at stake.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
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