Sovereignty restored in today's Frigate announcement

Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick has congratulated BAE in winning the Future Frigate tender competition and notes positively the Federal Government’s reversal on its initial treacherous plan to exclude ASC from any significant build role.

“This is great news for ASC and for the program’s sovereignty”, said Rex. "The Government's reversal of its opposition to an Australian shipbuilder constructing our warships is to be welcomed." 

Ever since former Senator Xenophon revealed in April last year that the tender documents excluded ASC from being able to take responsibility for the build, Centre Alliance has been putting pressure on the Government to ensure ASC was dealt back into the game through Senate debate, questions in the Senate Chamber, at Senate Estimates, the Naval Shipbuilding Inquiry and the media. Senator Patrick recently wrote to all of Defence Industry Minister Pyne’s constituents pointing out the error of the Government’s way.

"Ever since my swearing in as a South Australian Senator, I have been advocating the need for an ASC build with the Leader of the Government in the Senate and ASC Shareholder Minister, Senator Mathias Cormann, and he has been listening carefully to my arguments on sovereign naval shipbuilding capabilities," said Rex. "I have found Minister Cormann to be responsive and a very positive influence in relation to these very important matters. Today we see a good outcome."

"I am hopeful similar arrangements will be made for the Future Submarines so that ASC, the company that represents Australia’s most significant body of submarine design, build and sustainment expertise, will also do the build of our next generation boats."

While extremely supportive of the choice made by Defence, Senator Patrick highlighted the fact that BAE’s Hunter class frigate is a relatively immature design. “That adds to the risk profile of this project which will need to be carefully managed. So, while I am positive about today’s announcement, I will certainly be putting the project on my Senate oversight radar.”

“Another thing I will be keeping a close eye on is the local industry content and the extent to which Australian companies can be incorporated into BAE’s global supply chain. I won’t be taking my eye off that ball."