See August 25, 2020's https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-25/scott-morrison-announces-$1b-defence-stimulus-package/12595200
"including the earlier than expected construction of a large hull vessel for the Pacific."
More see earlier November 9, 2018's https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/australia-to-build-new-ship-aid-smes-in-new-pacific-focus
"The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has committed the government to building a new, large naval ship dedicated to humanitarian work and disaster response among a suite of policies aimed at our Pacific Island neighbours."
COMMENT
As well as responses to warfare hospital ships are established methods of soft power projection. This is particularly to aid small islands and larger poor nations in the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Also bushfires up and down the coast of southeastern Australia in 2019-2020 established a need for short-notice humanitarian seaborne assistance (eg. to evacuate Australians from coastal towns under threat from bushfires).
There are regular events like cyclones, earthquakes and Tsunamis. Help to islands suffering
COVID-19 may be an irregular crisis.
Here is a list of Current Hospital Ships with the US and China now in competition to an extent. Not to be outdone Australia wants to acquire a specialised vessel.
For Australia a semi-flat-top ship of over 20,000 tons with helicopter and maybe landing craft is possible. It may be converted/modified from a civilian hull or new build.
The Australian government may be wary of raising the hopes of Australian shipbuilding and maritime unions that a high wage entitlement to again produce and crew civilian ships may begin. Things can get highly political.
"including the earlier than expected construction of a large hull vessel for the Pacific."
More see earlier November 9, 2018's https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/australia-to-build-new-ship-aid-smes-in-new-pacific-focus
"The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has committed the government to building a new, large naval ship dedicated to humanitarian work and disaster response among a suite of policies aimed at our Pacific Island neighbours."
COMMENT
As well as responses to warfare hospital ships are established methods of soft power projection. This is particularly to aid small islands and larger poor nations in the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Also bushfires up and down the coast of southeastern Australia in 2019-2020 established a need for short-notice humanitarian seaborne assistance (eg. to evacuate Australians from coastal towns under threat from bushfires).
There are regular events like cyclones, earthquakes and Tsunamis. Help to islands suffering
COVID-19 may be an irregular crisis.
Here is a list of Current Hospital Ships with the US and China now in competition to an extent. Not to be outdone Australia wants to acquire a specialised vessel.
For Australia a semi-flat-top ship of over 20,000 tons with helicopter and maybe landing craft is possible. It may be converted/modified from a civilian hull or new build.
The Australian government may be wary of raising the hopes of Australian shipbuilding and maritime unions that a high wage entitlement to again produce and crew civilian ships may begin. Things can get highly political.