Australia’s concerns over French submarine deal known for years, documents show

As early as September 2018, an independent oversight board had advised Australia to look at alternatives, an auditor-general report shows

Australian parliamentary hearings and reports on the project also showed problems emerging even before construction had begun

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French President Emmanuel Macron, second left, pictured in 2018 standing on the deck of an Australian submarine in Sydney, with former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other officials. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:05pm, 22 Sep 2021Updated: 10:01pm, 22 Sep 2021

France should not have been surprised that Australia cancelled a submarine contract, as major concerns about delays, cost overruns and suitability had been aired officially and publicly for years, Australian politicians said.

Paris has recalled its ambassadors from Canberra and Washington, saying it was blindsided by Canberra’s decision to build nuclear-powered submarines with the United States and Britain rather than stick with its contract for French diesel submarines.

Yet as early as September 2018, an independent oversight board led by a former US Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter had advised Australia to look at alternatives, and questioned whether the project was in the national interest, a 2020 public report from the country’s auditor-general shows.

Australia‘s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, centre, at the media conference earlier this month where Canberra’s decision to build nuclear-powered submarines with the US and Britain was announced. Photo: EPA

Australian parliamentary hearings and reports on the project, first priced at US$40 billion and more recently at US$60 billion, even before construction had begun, also showed problems emerging. In June the defence secretary told parliament “contingency planning” for the programme was under way.

“They would have to have their eyes shut not to realise the danger they were facing,” said Rex Patrick, an independent senator for South Australia, referring to France.