THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

Monday 29 April 2024

In a blow to Western Australia (WA), Labor has scrapped plans to build a large vessel dry berth (LVDB) at Henderson, despite the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) advising of its importance.

In 2022, the former Coalition Government committed $4.3 billion to developing the vital infrastructure, with works set to begin in 2023.

Despite Labor previously committing to the project, the Albanese Government has spent the past two years stalling works and refusing to answer the Coalition’s questions about Labor’s investment and timeline for the LVDB.

We now know why. The Albanese Government has cut the project from its Defence Integrated Investment Program, revealing the infrastructure will be considered “based on forthcoming advice.”

As WA prepares to host nuclear-powered submarines from 2027, and build 14 vessels over the next decade, it is essential that we have adequate infrastructure to support this endeavour.

Labor’s DSR even stated that “completion of a Henderson-based large vessel dry-dock is a critical enabler for the construction and sustainment of our naval vessels.”

Instead, the Albanese Government has ignored the DSR’s advice, and the strategic needs of Australia, by cancelling the Henderson LVDB.

Labor must explain why they have cut this critical project and clarify their plan to maintain Australia’s future nuclear submarines and surface fleet without a dry-dock on the west coast.