Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a substantial investment to boost Adelaide’s shipyard capabilities, earmarking billions to train workers for the construction of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The federal government is channeling $3.9 billion into the Osborne shipyard, described by Albanese as a “downpayment” for the facility. This funding is set to support the training of 10,000 skilled workers needed for the submarine projects.

Albanese also confirmed that the overall project cost is anticipated to reach $30 billion, a figure projected by the Australian Naval Infrastructure.

“This initiative is key to modernizing Australia’s manufacturing sector,” Albanese stated. “It’s more than just creating 10,000 jobs here.”

He added, “Currently, 70 companies are undergoing the qualification process to secure contracts to supply not only Australian, but also UK and US submarines.”

The AUKUS agreement, established five years ago by Australia, the US, and the UK, was designed to counteract China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.

Doubt over the future of AUKUS emerged last January when US President Donald Trump was sworn in.

He ordered a review of the defence pact by the Pentagon, concerned it did not meet his “America first” agenda.

The agreement hung in the balance for months until the US Defence Department gave the green light in September. 

Later, Trump warmly endorsed AUKUS when he hosted Albanese at the White House, saying it was “full steam ahead”.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.