Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Media contacts
Minister Pyne Media Contacts
Scott Bolitho: 0439 764 809, pynemedia@defence.gov.au
Eleisa Hancock: 0427 981 990, pynemedia@defence.gov.au
Minister Payne Media Contact
Henry Budd: 0429 531 143
Wade Laube: 0409 193 057
Department of Defence Media (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au
Release content
1 February 2018
The Air Warfare Destroyer project has been removed from the Projects of Concern list following continuing improvements in shipbuilding performance.
This major milestone is a result of the implementation of the Turnbull Government’s reform program.
Following an independent review by Professor Don Winter and Dr John White and a review by the Australian National Audit Office, the project was placed on the Projects of Concern list in June 2014 due to increasing commercial, schedule and cost risks.
The Air Warfare Destroyer Reform Program resulted in Navantia being contracted in December 2015 to provide shipbuilding management services to the project.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said due to the long term reform arrangements put in place by the Turnbull Government, the Air Warfare Destroyer project is now back on track.
“The remediation of the Air Warfare Destroyer project shows the country is ready for the Turnbull Government’s continuous naval shipbuilding program, which will create thousands of jobs and secure the shipbuilding industry for future generations of Australians.”
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne said the recent commissioning of HMAS Hobart demonstrates the program is now capable of producing highly potent Air Warfare Destroyers.
“HMAS Hobart has been commissioned into service, marking a step change in Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea,” said Minister Payne.
“The two destroyers, Brisbane and Sydney, are both on track to be delivered against the reformed schedule and set to add to Navy’s capabilities.”
The Air Warfare Destroyer Project joins the Collins Class Submarine project in coming off the Projects of Concern list in the past six months.