SA Premier Peter Malinauskas will spearhead a high-profile mission to the United States, with a primary objective of capitalising on opportunities for South Australia arising from the AUKUS submarine program.
This marks the Premier’s inaugural official visit to the United States, the government said in a media release.
Scheduled for mid-May, the Premier’s itinerary encompasses discussions with key stakeholders within the US defence program and submarine supply chain, alongside tours of two prominent shipyards responsible for constructing nuclear-powered submarines in the US.
Among the highlights of the visit is a tour of the Newport News shipyard in Virginia, the largest shipbuilding company in the United States, renowned for its production of Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines.
With a workforce exceeding 23,000 individuals, Newport News stands as a cornerstone of US naval manufacturing.
Additionally, the Premier will visit General Dynamics Electric Boat’s submarine shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, another notable hub for the construction of Virginia Class nuclear-powered submarines, employing approximately 10,000 personnel onsite.
A central focus of discussions will revolve around skills development, training initiatives, and workforce preparation within the United States for its nuclear submarine program, with the aim of positioning South Australia favourably to cultivate the requisite highly skilled workforce for AUKUS.
The agenda will also feature a series of high-level engagements with influential leaders and decision-makers in Washington DC, including key congressional representatives.
Malinauskas stressed the imperative for South Australia to strengthen its bonds with partners in the United Kingdom and the United States in the context of the AUKUS submarine program.
“I want the key industry leaders and decision-makers in the United States to be clear that South Australia is serious about maximising every available opportunity out of this program – and we are committed for the long term,” the Premier stressed.
Last month’s announcement solidified Adelaide-based shipbuilders ASC and BAE Systems as the entities tasked with constructing Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines at Osborne.
Construction on the initial SSN-AUKUS submarine is slated to commence before the decade’s end, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,500 direct jobs expected to support the program at its zenith.
Furthermore, 26 Australian suppliers are currently undergoing support to qualify their products within the US submarine supply chain as part of the AUKUS initiative.
“I am looking forward to seeing for myself the shipyards where nuclear-powered submarines are being built right now in the United States. In just a few years’ time, the same will be happening right here in South Australia,” Malinauskas concluded.
