Royal Australian Navy: Statement of Principles

Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 2 April 2002:

In a media release dated 9 July 2001 the then Minister for Defence indicated that the Royal Australian Navy had entered into a Statement of Principles arrangement with the United States (US) Navy in relation to submarine matters:

1. When was the decision made to enter into such an arrangement.
2. Which country first raised the idea of the arrangement.
3. Can details of the arrangement be provided; for example, what is the nature and scope of the arrangement.
4. Has the arrangement been put in writing; if so, can a copy of the text be provided.
5. Does the arrangement bind Australia in relation to any future projects connected to submarines.
6. Does this arrangement effectively rule out the contracting out of future major projects in relation to the Collins Class submarines.
7. Does the arrangement bind the US in relation to any dealings with Australia in relation to submarines.
8. Has the arrangement been included in any formal agreement with the US; if so, can a copy of that agreement be provided.
9. Does Australia have similar arrangements with the US on other matters; if so, what other matters are covered by such arrangements.
10. Does Australia have similar arrangements with other countries; if so, which countries and what matters do they cover.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. The decision to enter into this arrangement was made in July 2001. The Statement of Principles (SoP) was subsequently negotiated and jointly signed by the Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and the Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy on 10 September 2001.
2. The Commonwealth of Australia.
3. and 4. Yes. A copy of the SoP has been forwarded separately to your office.
5. As stated in the SoP (page 7-9), the arrangement is non-binding on either navy. It is intended to encourage both parties to "use their best efforts" to: exchange information; facilitate access to, and use of, their respective facilities, equipment, and personnel, as detailed; and cooperate in research, development, and engineering projects as detailed.
6. No.
7. No.
8. No.
9. Yes, there is one similar Statement of Principles arrangement with the US on another matter. This is the 'Statement of Principles for Enhanced Cooperation in Matters of Defence Equipment and Industry' which came into effect on 17 July 2000.
10. No, Australia has no other similar Statement of Principles arrangements with other countries.

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