Product of Concern Summit for Collins class sustainment

The Albanese Government held its fourth Product of Concern Summit in Canberra today to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, convened the summit alongside 
Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, and senior representatives from government and industry.

Since being listed as a Product of Concern in December 2024, Defence and the contractor, ASC Pty Ltd, have developed a remediation plan for the sustainment of the Collins class.

This plan will ensure Collins class submarines remain among the most capable conventionally powered submarines in the world.

Since the revitalisation of Defence’s Projects and Products of Concern process in 2022, the Albanese Government has strengthened the oversight and remediation of defence projects.

Remediation is being achieved through targeted workforce initiatives, process improvements and productivity reform. The Product of Concern framework continues to play a crucial role in driving cooperation, accountability and sustained action across government and industry.

This is the twelfth Project of Concern Summit since May 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“I was pleased to convene the fourth Product of Concern summit for the Collins class submarine fleet today. This process helps ensure Australia has a highly-capable conventional submarine fleet for many years to come, and as we transition to nuclear-powered submarines.

“By bringing Defence and industry together on a regular basis, we maintain oversight and transparency of the capabilities required by the Australian Defence Force to preserve peace and deter conflict.

“The Product of Concern framework, which was revitalised by the Albanese Government, provides a structured forum to collaborate and agree on remediation activities to support Collins class submarine sustainment outcomes.”