The issue of whether Australia should operate nuclear-powered submarines was raised repeatedly during public consultations with the expert panel advising the Abbott government on its defence white paper.Defence Minister Kevin Andrews released in Perth yesterday a report on public attitudes compiled by the panel headed by the head of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank, Peter Jennings.
Mr Jennings told The Australian the question most frequently asked by those concerned about the capability of the Australian Defence Force was why the navy was not to get nuclear-powered submarines.
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Quite frankly the government's 'politically correct' imperative to pursue the construction of conventionally powered submarines at the complete exclusion of Nuclear boats is idiocy. Given the vast distances encompassing the Australian Island continent, - ergo the need for speed, endurance and stealth, anything other than the Nuclear option does not meet our requirements. Full stop!!! Satellite surveillance in the 21st century means that the need for conventional subs to snorkel in transit makes them seriously vulnerable. The Australian government must recognise it's overriding 'duty of care' to the safety of the crews, notwithstanding the colossal waste financially in building vessels which will be pitched against much faster and more capable Nuclear subs possessed by other nations.
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