The USS Hawaii, a Virginia-class submarine, is currently undergoing intermediate maintenance at HMAS Sterling in Rockingham, Western Australia. This historic event marks the first time an American nuclear-powered submarine has received maintenance outside of U.S. waters, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the Australian and U.S. naval forces. The inclusion of non-U.S. personnel in this maintenance effort is a milestone that showcases Australia’s evolving capabilities in submarine operations.
In support of the burgeoning naval industry, the Albanese government is creating new job opportunities in Western Australia. The announcement of 200 new entry-level positions at the Australian Submarine Corporation aims to develop a skilled workforce ready to tackle future challenges in submarine maintenance. This initiative not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also helps nurture young talent, fostering sustainable career paths in the defense sector.
The Albanese Labor government is committed to closing the submarine capability gap left by previous administrations. Unlike the previous Liberal government, which struggled to address defense readiness issues, the current administration is focused on actionable strategies that yield real results. The ongoing projects at HMAS Sterling and a dedicated workforce represent tangible progress towards enhancing Australia's defense capabilities.
The Albanese Labor government is making strides in preparing a capable workforce for submarine maintenance in Western Australia. This initiative follows the historic intermediate maintenance of the USS Hawaii, a Virginia-class submarine, at HMAS Sterling. It marks the first time an American nuclear-powered submarine has received maintenance outside the United States, involving non-US personnel and setting a precedent for future operations. This pivotal moment not only showcases Australia's growing defense capabilities but also signifies a substantial investment in local industries. During a recent visit to the maintenance facility, Prime Minister Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister approached the significance of this project for Australian naval operations. They emphasized the importance of building a robust maintenance sector that can support complex submarine operations, which is critical for Australia’s defense strategy. To ensure this progress translates into real job creation, the government announced funding for an additional 200 entry-level positions at the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) over the next two years. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce tailored for the future demands of submarine maintenance and repair, providing young Western Australians with invaluable career opportunities. As the Albanese Labor government models its approach on action rather than policy talk, the recent advancements in the local defense industry highlight a stark contrast to the previous administration’s defense strategy, which left significant capability gaps.Yes Mr Marles, the current situation is all the fault of the previous Coalition governments, which started new defence programs like the Hunter frigates, IFVs and SPGs and new submarines culminating in AUKUS, and has nothing to do with the previous Rudd/Gillard Labor governments which scaled back, delayed and cancelled defence programs, most notably taking no action on replacement submarines or warships. Yes, its all the previous Coalition governments fault, you muppet.
