THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Thursday, 6 November 2008
163/2008
MINISTER RECOGNISES ELITE SUBMARINE SERVICE
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP,
today acknowledged the unique skills and commitment required by Australia’s current
and future submariners.
Speaking at the Submarine Institute of Australia Conference, Mr Snowdon stressed
the strategic importance of our submarine capability.
“Our submarines are critical to maintaining Australia’s maritime trade and security,”
Mr Snowdon said.
“Through their stealth, long-range endurance, formidable striking power and
advanced intelligence collection, Australia’s submarines provide a mixture of
operational, tactical and strategic effects.
“It is widely recognised that we will need an enhanced naval capability into the future,
and already this Government has committed $4.67 million to commence a program of
studies into support of the eventual acquisition of a future submarine force.
“I am particularly pleased to see the Defence Science and Technology Organisation
(DSTO) is firmly engaged at the early stage in the planning for the future submarine.
“DSTO scientists are researching subjects vital to the future submarine, from
materials science to combat system architectures to autonomous underwater
vehicles.
“They will provide world-class technological input to the important decisions that will
be taken over the next two decades.”
Minister Snowdon also discussed the challenges to recruiting and retaining
Australia’s highly skilled, highly motivated, highly trained submariners.
“There is no single answer. Crewing our future submarines is an enduring challenge,
and a career that is not for everyone,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Work is underway to improve work life balance, with lessons to be learnt from the
experience multi-crewing patrol boats.
“Improvements in training are required along with increased efforts in targeted
recruiting and internal lateral recruiting. We also need to do better at explaining the
comprehensive employment package, including health, housing and education
benefits offered by Navy.”
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
