Albanese Government backs continued investment in Australia's nuclear-powered submarine construction yard

To ensure the delivery of Australia’s conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments are investing in key infrastructure and jobs development. This is critical for our sovereign capability, a future made in Australia, and for thousands of South Australians who will benefit from high‑skilled, well‑paid jobs for generations to come.

The Albanese Government is today announcing a further $4.6 billion investment in Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) to support the continued delivery of our world class Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, which is a vital part of one of the most complex industrial undertakings in our nation’s history. 

This builds on the $3.9 billion announced by the Prime Minister and Premier in February, and brings the Government's contribution to date for the Construction Yard to $8.5 billion.

The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard is on track to deliver Australia's future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability under AUKUS and will be critical in building the sovereign submarine enterprise required to support our future submarine fleet for decades to come.

The investment will support ongoing construction and development activities across the Osborne precinct as work continues at pace to establish the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to deliver this generational program. 

Australian industry is at the forefront of this work, with ANI having already awarded approximately $1.9 billion in contracts, supporting business growth and supply chains while strengthening sovereign industrial capability.

It is also helping build the skilled workforce needed to deliver AUKUS, with the broader conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs across the entire program in South Australia alone.

Around 1,100 workers are already contributing to delivery of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard and associated workforce initiatives, including approximately:

• 100 workers supporting delivery of the Skills and Training Academy Campus;
• 400-500 workers supporting the Production Demonstration Facilities; and
• 500 designers and dedicated project managers supporting planning, design and delivery of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard.

To help meet future workforce requirements, the Skills and Training Academy Campus remains on track to commence operations from the first quarter of 2028.

At peak capacity, the Skills and Training Academy will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 learners at a time across the nuclear-powered submarine and broader naval shipbuilding workforce.

It will provide an integrated learning environment that simulates the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard working environment, allowing learners to combine theoretical learning with practical application through the use of life-sized mock-ups and prototypes, drawing on the expertise of Australia’s Sovereign Submarine Build Partners, BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

"This investment is another important step in building the sovereign capability Australia will need to build, operate, maintain and sustain our future submarine fleet.

"The work underway right now at Osborne demonstrates that AUKUS is on track and happening now, all while creating opportunities for Australian industry and workers for decades to come."

Quotes attributable to South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas:

“It is difficult to comprehend the scale of the billions of dollars of investment being delivered at Osborne to enable us to build the most complex machines on the planet.

“The submarine yard will be ten times bigger than the existing shipyard. This project will dwarf the delivery of a non-stop South Road and New Women’s and Children’s Hospital combined.

“And it is already happening.

“We are pleased to work in close partnership with the Albanese Government to deliver the crucial infrastructure needed, and look forward to seeing young South Australians learning high value nuclear skills at Osborne within the next two years.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher:

"The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard is a nation-building project that will support jobs, strengthen industrial capability and provide lasting benefits for Australia's economy.

"Through Australian Naval Infrastructure, we are ensuring the foundations are in place to deliver this critical national capability for future generations."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

"The billions of dollars the Albanese Government is investing at Osborne is supporting a future made in Australia and a secure future for thousands of locals who will benefit from high-skilled, well-paid jobs for generations to come.

"The Skills and Training Academy Campus will play a vital role in developing the highly skilled workforce needed to support Australia's future submarine capability and broader naval shipbuilding enterprise."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Member for Hindmarsh, Mark Butler:

“This precinct at Osborne has been delivering employment and opportunity to South Australians for decades, and this significant investment paves the way to support our jobs and prosperity for the future.”

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Chris Picton:

“South Australia is at the centre of one of the most significant defence undertakings in Australian history.

“AUKUS is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will boost our nation’s defence capabilities as well as create thousands of jobs for South Australians. 

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20262273.