Media Release – 30 August 2018
SIA WELCOMES NEW MINISTRY
The Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) welcomes the appointments of Hon Christopher Pyne MP as the new Minister for Defence and Hon Steven Ciobo MP as the Minister for Defence Industry.
The SIA also acknowledges Senator the Hon Marise Payne, who has moved from the defence portfolio to be the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, for the work she has done helping to enhance Australia’s submarine capability.
“The SIA congratulates Minister Pyne and Minister Ciobo on their appointments as the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Defence Industry respectively,” said SIA President, Mark Sander.
“As the previous Minister for Defence Industry, Minister Pyne has been an enthusiastic and high-profile advocate for improving Australia’s submarine capability and recognising the rich heritage of submarines and submariners.
“Having him continue in the defence portfolio in a different role is a positive decision given the Future Submarine Program is still in its formative stages.
“In relation to Minister Ciobo, the work he’s carried out in the trade portfolio and on assisting with implementation of the Government’s Defence Export Strategy means he is well placed to pick up from where Minister Pyne finished.
“The SIA records its thanks to Senator Payne for her time as the Minister for Defence.
“Senator Payne has been a regular speaker at SIA conferences, she delivered the keynote address at the 50th anniversary of HMAS Platypus in Sydney last year and her support was integral in the search for Australia’s first submarine, HMAS AE1. The submarine community is grateful for this support.
“With Senator Payne as Minister for Defence and Mr Pyne as Minister for Defence Industry, the Government formally indicated Australia would proceed with building 12 new submarines (in 2016) as part of the wider naval shipbuilding program – and this was a very significant moment for our defence capability and, more broadly, Australia’s national security.”
