The Australian Submarine Agency is undergoing an urgent top-to-bottom review conducted by former senior defence and security bureaucrat Dennis Richardson amidst concerns about its management of the $368 billion Aukus submarine contract. Richardson will focus on the agency’s governance, following the resignation of a senior leader and poor staff morale highlighted in the annual Australian Public Service staff census.
The review comes after the sudden resignation of the agency’s deputy director-general, David Hallinan, who raised concerns about how the agency was run and was dissatisfied with the response. The agency was rated poorly for staff wellbeing and support in the census, prompting the finance minister to acknowledge the issues and pledge action.
Opposition defence spokesperson Andrew Hastie criticized the review, calling for clarity on its timing, cost, and impact on the Aukus project. Richardson, a former secretary of defence and foreign affairs, is part of a taskforce overseeing the Defence Strategic Review along with other prominent figures.
Despite the review, criticism from the opposition and Greens remains, with concerns about the ASA’s ability to deliver submarines in the near future. The agency acknowledged areas of improvement, including change management and internal communications, as it works to deliver the largest defense investment in Australian history.
The review aims to address internal problems within the agency and ensure the success of the Aukus submarine acquisition amid growing discontent and disillusionment among staff members. Richardson’s appointment and the subsequent review highlight the challenges faced by the agency in managing such a significant defense project.
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