Adelaide Rates Shipbuilding Jobs over Nuclear Worries

On February 8, 2022 Anonymous commented:

Pete. I agree raising standards in the shipyard is the greatest concern. That is achievable, but will require action on infrastructure, training and management. The Rand report [this 2011 Rand Report?] on the revitalisation of the BAE Barrow Shipyard during the Astute program, overseen by technical assistance from US Electric Boat Company, is relevant. A similar approach at Adelaide would seem advisable, but is also possible given USN support.

A UK Astute-class SSN under construction. UK Astutes are "pug ugly" compared to the elegant extended teardrop/cigar lines of US Virginias. But subs, mostly below the surface, are not beauty contestants. The Astutes' angular sides may also stealthily deflect signals better. (Photo courtesy BAE Barrow Shipyards).

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On the political question regarding acceptance in Adelaide, I admit to bias as I live in Adelaide. I have seen little evidence of significant opposition to them being nuclear. It isn’t a talking point. The main objection to the SSN decision in Adelaide was the delay to promised jobs. [These would have come with] the Attack Class program. Already [that program was] several years behind original promises from [former Minister for Defence Industry, and MP for an Adelaide electorate] Christopher Pyne . Pyne traded on that promise since 2015. Also, several local businesses that invested in working with Naval Group have lost money.

The South Australia State Election is on March 19, 2022, and I have not seen nuclear power raised as an election issue. The main political risk in Adelaide is not building nuclear subs there, but breaking the job promise. Labor has mentioned this several times. This is why I have repeatedly said the main political risk if Labor gain power is not following through on local construction jobs. That would kill it.

See AAP via Adelaide’s INDAILY, dated November 9, 2021, which states in part “Labor talks up SA jobs risk from new [AUKUS] subs deal”

"Labor will push to have Australian jobs written into any new submarine contract and has criticised the Morrison Government for leaving businesses high and dry after tearing up the $90b French deal.

The government axed the French submarine contract in September [2021], torpedoing the jobs of thousands of shipbuilders, contractors and workers who were set to be brought on in South Australia for the build.

Labor’s defence spokesperson Brendan O’Connor told the Submarine Institute of Australia conference the party would include a local jobs quota into any new contract.

“These are uncertain times for businesses and their employees in the defence industry,” he told the conference on [November 9, 2021].

“Defence has confirmed that [submarine?] shipbuilding jobs won’t come online for another six years.

“We need a detailed, actionable plan from the government for these workers so we can preserve and develop their skills and knowledge to ensure we have the talent required when the time comes to build the new submarines.”

O’Connor said 3000 South Australian jobs were at risk under the new submarine contract, with the 8000 direct jobs in the state under the French contract being revised down to 5000 in a government factsheet.

“If you were a worker who left Holden to go and work on submarines after this government shut down the car industry, you would be feeling a strong sense of deja vu,” he said.

“With the Australian government spending AU$270 billion over the next 10 years spent on defence, Labor wants to see a commitment to growing our sovereign defence industry with a focus on local jobs.”

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said there would be “significant opportunities for Australian industry involvement” under any new submarine deal.

The government is working with the UK and US on a plan to deliver a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

“I am determined to maximise (Australian) involvement and know-how wherever possible,” she told the conference.”...