Ex-Defence Secretary Chosen to Assess ‘Toxic’ Culture within Australian Submarine Agency
An urgent review of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is underway as the U.S. Navy seeks emergency funding for its submarine program. Defence Minister Richard Marles has appointed Dennis Richardson, a former defence official, to investigate conduct at the ASA and the delivery of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program worth $368 billion.
There have been complaints of a “toxic” workplace culture and high staff turnover at the ASA, prompting the need for a review. Richardson, who served as the secretary of the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs in the past, is expected to report back to Marles early next year.
Boston Consulting Group conducted a review earlier this year, revealing issues with internal governance and reporting lines at the ASA. Marles has acknowledged problems at the ASA and openly discussed them with industry sources.
The ASA, led by Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, is facing challenges as it prepares to host, service, and maintain U.S. nuclear-powered submarines in Perth from 2027. Despite growing its workforce to meet demands, there have been concerns about personnel lacking necessary skills to perform their roles effectively.
On the other hand, the U.S. Navy is seeking funding to address “shortfalls” in its Virginia-class submarines production, raising doubts about its capacity to meet Australia’s demand under the AUKUS deal. The Navy aims to produce two Virginia-class and one Columbia-class submarines per year, but its current production rate falls short of the required capacity.