French shipbuilders DCNS pledge to create 2000 jobs in SA under an onshore or hybrid build

MORE than 2000 jobs for South Australians, from marine engineers to electricians, would be created under a French submarine build.

• DCNS says its Australian submarine proposal will create 2900 jobs
• DCNS hoping to clinch project with Shortfin Barracuda subs

MORE than 2000 jobs for South Australians, from marine engineers to electricians, would be created under a French submarine build.

In Adelaide on Thursday night, French shipbuilders DCNS will outline the details of their draft plan, which has already been submitted to Government.

Under an onshore or a hybrid build, there would be 2900 jobs Australia-wide, with 1800 at ASC, 600 across the supply chain and 500 jobs in combat systems integration.

“Of the 2900 jobs, over 2000 direct jobs will be created right here in Adelaide,” DCNS chief executive Sean Costello told The Advertiser.

“More jobs will be created indirectly through Adelaide’s small businesses and service economy.”

France is competing with Germany and Japan for the $50 billion Future Submarines project. All three are required to submit three options — an onshore, offshore and hybrid build — then the Government will select one. It is understood the offshore option, which would mean fewer jobs for South Australia, is effectively off the table.

Former Defence Minister Mr Andrews has said a local build was “always” the Government’s preference. Germany, Japan and France are all willing and able to build onshore.

Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne

The German Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Andreas Krause, is in Adelaide today. He will visit ASC this morning. A Japanese delegation was here last week and will be in Sydney next week.

The Advertiser understands the Federal Government is working on a training scheme in SA for submarine and shipbuilding workers.

Before he was replaced as Defence Minister by Marise Payne, Kevin Andrews said he would like to see something like a US-style ‘schoolhouse’.

It is understood plans for a training college were close to being announced, but discussions are now continuing under the new Government.

Mr Costello also said a ‘Submarine School’ in Adelaide would “completely dovetail” with what they are planning.

Industry chief Chris Burns, from peak body the Defence Teaming Centre, said industry needed a firm commitment on the submarines and surface vessels and that training needed to start immediately as some people would need up to four years to be work ready.

“If there was a firm commitment to building the OPVs, the frigates and the submarines here in SA, industry would have to start upskilling the workforce now to take on the OPVs, then the frigates, then the submarines,” he said.

Labor and the industry are pushing for 12 submarines, although it is understood the upcoming Defence White Paper will only commit to eight.

South Australian Labor Senator Penny Wong on Wednesday accused the Coalition Government of “goading Holden to leave and (walking) away from its commitment to build 12 submarines in SA”.

DCNS will host a public forum on their plans from 5.30pm at the Adelaide Convention Centre.