New agency, regulator to oversee nuclear powered submarines

The federal government will establish two new agencies to oversee the acquisition of nuclear powered submarines and to regulate the safety of the vessels and their reactors.

The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) will be established by Executive Order and be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme.

The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce, which currently operates as part of Defence, will transition to the ASA on 1 July 2023, and be headed by a yes to be named Director General.

Meanwhile a new independent statutory regulator, the Australian Nuclear-Powered Submarine Safety Regulator will be established with the functions and powers necessary to regulate the unique circumstances associated with nuclear safety and radiological protection across the lifecycle of the vessels and associated infrastructure and facilities.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The establishment of the Australian Submarine Agency and the Australian Nuclear-Powered Submarine Safety Regulator are critical elements of delivering this game-changing capability and will ensure the safe and successful implementation of the pathway for Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.”

Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership will deliver in the 2030s US Virginia class vessels for the navy, to be followed in the 2040s by a new, locally built class of vessel to be known as SSN-AUKUS.

Work to deliver the underway and remains a key priority for thegovernment, in line with the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review, according to an announcement.

“In leading the delivery of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines, the ASA will be responsible for cradle-to-grave management, including acquisition, delivery, construction, technical governance, sustainment, and disposal.

“The ASA will also enable the necessary policy, legal, non-proliferation, workforce, security and safety arrangements.

“The Royal Australian Navy, led by the Chief of Navy, will continue to be responsible for training submariners and operating Australia’s submarines.”

Further reading:
WHAT THE AUKUS SUBMARINE DEAL MEANS FOR AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY
SME DEFENCE COMPANIES THE KEY TO AUKUS SUCCESS – REPORT

Picture: U.S. Embassy/U.S. Virginia class submarine docks at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia