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

STATEMENT
COALITION CALLS ON LABOR TO START HMAS STIRLING WORKS IMMEDIATELY

Monday 8 April 2024

The Albanese Government must begin upgrades at HMAS Stirling immediately if Australia is to achieve Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF–West) by 2027.

Despite the Department of Defence identifying workforce issues, Labor continues to stall works to uplift HMAS Stirling until 2025 – just two years before we begin to host US and UK nuclear submarines.

While the additional $83 million for infrastructure upgrades is a welcome investment, there is no clarity around when these works will commence or how workforce issues will be addressed.

Labor must also be upfront and explain why additional funding is necessary considering Defence officials, when asked in Senate Estimates, did not anticipate further investment in addition to the $8 billion already allocated.

Local councils and stakeholders in the vicinity – all of which have raised concerns about our preparedness for SRF–West – understand the importance of AUKUS and stand ready to support these critical works.

Labor must get on with the job before 2025 or risk Australia failing AUKUS at the first hurdle.

ENDS