Those wearied by constant changes of political leaders in Australia can expect the likely removal of the Coalition Government in the May 18, 2019 Federal Election. In its place would be the Australian Labor Party (ALP). The ALP remains slightly ahead of the Coalition in "TPP" opinion polls. If it wins the ALP might adopt some substantial, though not revolutionary, changes in Australia's Future "Attack class" submarine program. Maybe in the following ways:
1. Still 12 new subs, but a review. On March 14, 2019 Australia’s DEFENCECONNECTreported:
"Ahead of the expected May poll, opposition spokesman [and likely future Minister] on defence Richard Marles has reaffirmed Labor’s commitment to the $50 billion future submarine program, but has stated that a Labor government would conduct a review of the project to ensure suitability..."
2. Less pressure to build all in Adelaide. Substantial submarine work (eg. building one module)
might be reallocated from Adelaide, South Australia to the pro-ALP, slightly leftwing, state of
Victoria. The Coalition Government seems to have intentionally excluded Victoria (including its
efficient Williamstown Dockyard) from the submarine building program. The ALP leader Bill
Shorten's own electoral seat of Maribyrnong is in Melbourne, Victoria. Also the Coalition
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne (from Adelaide, South Australia) left the Government on
April 11, 2019, hence he is no longer a "build all in Adelaide" factor.
might be reallocated from Adelaide, South Australia to the pro-ALP, slightly leftwing, state of
Victoria. The Coalition Government seems to have intentionally excluded Victoria (including its
efficient Williamstown Dockyard) from the submarine building program. The ALP leader Bill
Shorten's own electoral seat of Maribyrnong is in Melbourne, Victoria. Also the Coalition
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne (from Adelaide, South Australia) left the Government on
April 11, 2019, hence he is no longer a "build all in Adelaide" factor.
3. Unions to be more influential. As a former trade union leader Bill Shorten will be sensitive to
calls from submarine building unions for better pay and conditions. This includes the principal
shipbuilding union - the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU). See this (late April
2016?) AMWU News Release which clearly supports Build In Adelaide and not overseas
"The future of the South Australian economy depends on new shipbuilding orders..." Growing
union influence vis a vis management and federal and state governments, remains likely.
Watch this space, for submarine program implications, following the May 18, 2019 Election.
Pete
calls from submarine building unions for better pay and conditions. This includes the principal
shipbuilding union - the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU). See this (late April
2016?) AMWU News Release which clearly supports Build In Adelaide and not overseas
"The future of the South Australian economy depends on new shipbuilding orders..." Growing
union influence vis a vis management and federal and state governments, remains likely.
Watch this space, for submarine program implications, following the May 18, 2019 Election.
Pete