Support the initial steps in Australia's acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
The Government will provide $4.5 billion over 10 years from 2023-24 (and $482.7 million per year ongoing) to support the initial steps in Australia's acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. This forms part of the whole-of-program costs over the decade and funding includes:
* $4.2 billion over 10 years from 2023-24 (and $482.7 million per year ongoing) to support the establishment and ongoing operation of a new Australian Submarine Agency (the Agency), within the Defence portfolio to manage Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program. This includes $15.3 million over 10 years from 2023-24 (and $1.5 million per year ongoing) to establish an Independent Monitor and Adviser to provide independent assurance for the nuclear-powered submarine program through periodic health-checks and proactive advice. The Agency will be funded through the Department of Defence until the Agency has been formally established
* $127.3 million over 4 years from 2023-24 for 4,000 additional commencing Commonwealth supported places at universities and other higher education providers for courses that support the skills requirements of the nuclear-powered submarine program, including STEM and management disciplines. Of these places, at least 800 will be allocated to South Australian universities with the remainder to be allocated through a competitive process Defence |
* $87.2 million over two years from 2023-24 to support initial regulatory activities and the development of regulatory standards and frameworks, and non-proliferation and safeguards arrangements for the nuclear-powered submarine program including: - $25.2 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency to conduct nuclear licencing activities and provide advice and services - $21.9 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office to support the establishment of non-proliferation and safeguard arrangements with the International Atomic Energy Agency - $16.3 million over two years for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation to support radiological baselining and monitoring, and provide advice on the safe implementation of nuclear technology - $7.9 million in 2023-24 for the Agency to support the establishment of the Australian Nuclear-Powered Submarine Safety Regulator and develop associated nuclear regulatory standards and frameworks - $7.6 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to conduct the environmental regulation and assessments required under relevant environmental legislation - $5.2 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to support the development of radioactive waste management, storage and disposal arrangements with the Department of Defence and the Agency - $3.1 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Health and Aged Care to provide radiation health and safety advice, and support the review national of regulatory arrangements
* $52.7 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide international policy advice and diplomatic support for the nuclear-powered submarine program
* $11.1 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Finance to provide commercial, financial and investment program management advice in support of the delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine program
* $3.9 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to establish a dedicated taskforce to support the development and delivery of skills and training initiatives for the nuclear-powered submarine program
* $2.4 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Attorney-General's Department to provide legal and policy advice for the nuclear-powered submarine program, including for the development of relevant treaties and international agreements
* $1.1 million over two years from 2023-24 for the Department of Education to support the development and delivery of education, skills and training initiatives for the nuclear-powered submarine program. The Government will also provide Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd with an equity injection over 5 years from 2023-24 to commence early construction and design works for a submarine construction yard and to design the Skills and Training Academy, in South Australia. The financial implications of this component of the measure are not for publication (nfp) due to commercial sensitivities. This measure forms part of the Government's nuclear-powered submarine program announced on 14 March 2023. This measure will support the implementation of the Government's response to the Defence Strategic Review (2023). This measure will be offset through a broader reprioritisation within the Defence Integrated Investment Program.