THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Friday 12 February 2010
019/2010
Increased focus on submarine availability
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
announced that a new Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in
Adelaide next month.
“The establishment of the joint Australian Submarine Program Office is a vital step
towards achieving the submarine output Government expects,” Mr Combet said.
“The Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide to jointly
manage submarine availability required by Government.
“The idea for a new project office follows discussions between the Navy, the Defence
Material Organisation and ASC Pty Ltd on how better results can be achieved.
“The Government has made clear to all parties involved in the maintenance of the
Collins Class Submarines that we expect better results. We understand this will take
time but we are determined to see an improvement.
“This marks the start of a new partnership between Navy, the DMO and ASC which
will set the basis for a strong and enduring submarine capability over the next
decade,” Mr Combet said.
The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russell Crane, DMO Program Manager
Submarines, Mr Kim Gillis, and CEO of ASC Pty Ltd, Mr Steve Ludlam, met to
develop a new charter to drive the relationship between the three key players in
Australia’s submarine force.
“Discussions between the parties have also focused on a way forward for HMAS
Farncomb’s generator repairs and a maintenance schedule change which will
improve overall submarine availability,” Mr Combet said.
HMAS Farncomb is in maintenance following the electrical failure of one of its three
main generators last month.
The office will commence work in March and will operate as an integrated product
team of Navy, DMO and ASC personnel led by DMO’s Director General Submarines
Commodore Bronko Ogrizek.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet)
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
