Hunter class frigate keel laying ceremony

I am delighted to be here at this keel laying ceremony for NUSHIP Hunter.

It is a highly symbolic day for our Navy, for the Defence ecosystem and for South Australia.

It further strengthens the State’s role as a national centre for complex naval shipbuilding and supporting skilled Australian jobs across the broader national supply chain. 

I also acknowledge the important role of BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

One of our Defence Primes.

Through the Hunter Class frigate program we get the best of British design expertise with Australian shipbuilding prowess.

Everyone working together to achieve a significant milestone for Australia’s future surface fleet.

Despite the complexity of this national endeavour, the Hunter class frigate program is on track. 

And the milestone we celebrate today has broader symbolism in signalling an important moment in building this ship…

But also in our plan to continuously building ships in this country, whether in Western Australia or right here in South Australia. 

So, this is the first of many more keel laying ceremonies over the decades to come.

Importantly BAE are supported by an extensive array of Australian companies who are providing products and services.

And that has translated into thousands of jobs and economic activity.

This is National Defence at work.

Whether you are wearing a navy uniform, a tie or a hard hat.

All in an effort to keep us safe in a rapidly changing world.

And there is an important career pipeline being forged here…

…creating long-term benefits for Australia through workforce development, apprenticeships, engineering expertise…

… and we are shoring up those efforts through new initiatives in the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy.

For example, we have committed to work with Defence Primes to grow their apprentice and trainee workforce, starting later this year.

That will help train enough workers with the right skills now and into the future. 

Friends, placing a coin under the keel of a ship is a naval tradition dating back to ancient times.

Thought to bring good luck and protection to the ship, captain and crew.

And perhaps too a symbol of the importance we place on those who protect us at sea. As we must.

As a three ocean, island trading nation, confidence in our national security and the strength of our relationships across the region are both underpinned by our naval power. The commitment of Navy’s people since 1911 to the present day has remained steadfast.

But the capabilities upon which we rely to protect Australia’s national security have evolved significantly. 

Today’s Navy is adapting to new, rapidly changing technologies and new complex and challenging environments, while continuing to uphold its enduring objective.

To defend Australia and secure our maritime future. 

We have not been afraid to pivot and re-focus, through the Surface Fleet Review, and the National Defence Strategy. 

We recognised the core need to upgrade the Surface Fleet, and we are working to rapidly bring world-class capabilities in to service.

As I mentioned earlier, we have embarked on a program of continuous shipbuilding in this country. That means giving our Navy a bigger fleet, a fleet more capable of deterring aggression and keeping Australians safe.

And whether as part of the Hunter class program, or our future plans for replacing the Air Warfare Destroyer, 

….it also means a pipeline of work here in South Australia and in the supply chain across the country for decades to come.

And so, that means a safer Australia and financial security for the thousands of Australians directly engaged in this work for generations.

The construction phase of the Hunter Class Frigate Program alone will run for 20 years. At its peak this program will support around 3,000 direct jobs and a further 5,000 indirect jobs across the Australian supply chain.

Just late last month the Deputy Prime Minister and I announced here, a commitment of $4.6 billion to building the submarine construction yard here at the Osborne. 

This adds to the $3.9 billion, which was announced by the Prime Minister, the Premier and myself back in February. This is part of around a $30 billion investment that will be made here in the building of this facility. 

This is an investment in jobs in South Australia. And it is an investment in a giant leap in Australia’s defence capability. 

Once again, my thanks to everyone – no matter what your role - who has contributed to building this extraordinary precinct and the vessels that will eventually leave here for open waters.

I hope with this special coin we lay today, NUSHIP Hunter will travel safely, along with all those who sail with her.

ENDS