Australia and Naval Group agree on Future Submarine progress funding and local industry content
04 March 2021
by Julian Kerr
Tense negotiations between Canberra and French shipbuilder Naval Group over future costs and the percentage of local industry content in Australia’s AUD90 billion (USD70 billion) Future Submarine Program have concluded with agreements on both issues,
Janes has learnt.
According to informed sources, the overarching Strategic Partnering Agreement underpinning the project will now be amended to include a commitment by Naval Group to spend a minimum of 60% of the contract value in Australia over the life of the programme.
This will formalise an earlier undertaking by French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly that has subsequently been the subject of lengthy negotiations and Australian frustration.
Brittany Higgins (pictured) went public with allegations that a colleague raped her
Scott Morrison has criticised Defence Minister Linda Reynolds for calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a lying cow - but refused to sack her.
Speaking at a battery factory in the New South Wales Hunter Valley on Thursday, the prime minister said she was under significant stress when she made comments. She deeply regrets it. They were offensive remarks. She should never have made them. I don t condone them, Mr Morrison said.
Miss Higgins said the comments were incredibly hurtful and were further evidence of a toxic workplace culture behind close doors at parliament house .