Nuclear subs are coming to Australia. Now the Coalition wants reactors, too. We’re not ready for it

By Ian Lowe, Griffith University For decades, Australia has exported uranium – but not used it, other than in the Lucas Heights research reactor. But change is coming. We now face a rapidly deepening commitment to the nuclear industry, through nuclear submarines (bipartisan support) or nuclear reactors (Coalition support). The Albanese government was quick to accept…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Silentium doubles down on US market entry with senior appointment Passive radar systems manufacturer Silentium Defence has announced further commitment to the US market, posting co-founder and Chief Experience Officer, Simon Palumbo to Virginia. Palumbo will assume the role, Executive Vice President, Silentium Defense Corporation, and be responsible for in-country customer support, business development, talent…

Towards 3% R&D – Innovation bolsters defence industry by Minister Pat Conroy

Today in our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy explains how the government has built new structures to link defence innovation with commercial outcomes, building the defence industrial base in the process. A strong and sovereign innovation, science and technology sector is critical to…

AUKUS partners boost trade cooperation

Australia has welcomed what the Department of Defence described as ‘the significant and tangible steps’ made by the United States Government to further streamline export control licensing requirements for AUKUS trilateral partners. The announcement of a licence-free environment between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States will revolutionise collaboration and enable unprecedented levels of…