Media Release

UPDATE ON THE COLLINS SUBMARINE PROJECT

The new Head of the Submarine Capability Team, Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, held a briefing session with industry involved in the Collins Submarine project in Canberra today.

"At the moment, I am in an information gathering mode. Although it is early days yet, I am confident that our collaborative approach with all our partners will enable us to bring this project to a successful conclusion, using the findings of the McIntosh/Prescott Report as a baseline to tackle the problems identified," Admiral Briggs said.

"My job is to orchestrate, coordinate and direct the activities of the organisations that have separate responsibilities for different parts of the total submarine requirement, so that we have a fully operational and sustainable submarine capability as quickly as possible.

"The Submarine Project itself, run by Commodore Eoin Asker, is a major contributor, but there are others including the operators of the submarines, Support Command, Personnel Executive, DSTO and various industry participants.

"My immediate task is to submit, by 30 September for Cabinet consideration, a road map which includes feasibility options, an order of cost and schedule, and a recommended way ahead to achieve a fully operational submarine capability.

"Both the Government and Defence are committed to provide a fully operational and sustainable submarine capability with minimal delay and minimum extra cost," Admiral Briggs said.

Further information:
Colonel Keith Jobson 0419 292 455

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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