Senator David Fawcett

3 days ago

AUKUS TECHNOLOGY SHARING AGREEMENT SIGNEDThis week, the Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton, United States Chargé d'Affaires Michael Goldman and British High Commissioner Victoria Treadell CMG MVO met to sign the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) – facilitating the exchange of sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information between Australia and our AUKUS partners.This agreement formalises the nuclear propulsion technology sharing as part of the AUKUS partnership – a crucial step on our path towards acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for operation by the Royal Australian Navy. The ENNPIA, and AUKUS partnership more broadly, continues the long tradition of cooperation between the US, UK and Australia in military technology exchange. While news headlines often highlight the nuclear-powered submarines, the real value of AUKUS lies in the joint development of capabilities and the deeper integration of defence-related science and technology, industrial bases and, importantly, supply chains. This partnership is to work towards making each partner more capable and more resilient. AUKUS opens doors to enhanced collaboration that will build collective capability and resilient supply chains, enhancing Australia’s ability to partner with like-minded nations to deter threats and contribute to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.Despite a high level of technological reliance on the US and UK, history shows that the government can and does make sovereign decisions in Australia’s national interests – at the tactical, technical, and strategic level. The Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will now undertake an Inquiry into the ENNPIA. More information on this inquiry: bit.ly/3oWq9RRRegarding the AUKUS agreement more broadly, I wrote an opinion editorial published in Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Strategist in October: bit.ly/30OEEPP ... See MoreSee Less

A step forward for AUKUS as governments to share information

www.themandarin.com.au

Under a legally binding agreement, the US and UK will give nuclear propulsion information to Australia.

Senator David Fawcett

1 week ago

$111 MILLION GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO DEVELOP OUR CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIESPrime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) has unveiled the inaugural list of critical technologies to be further developed and protected through a $111 million Australian Government investment, in conjunction with investment from the private sector and like-minded nations such as our AUKUS and Quad partners. Recognising technologies of critical value to Australia’s economy and defence, the Government’s Blueprint and Action Plan for Critical Technologies includes artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and algorithmic automation, among others – aiming to balance the economic opportunities of critical technologies with their national security risks. As such, the plan includes measures that will prevent foreign governments from collaborating with Australian universities on certain types of research, should their involvement threaten national security. In addition to preventing research collaboration, these measures can extend to blocking exports and investment from firms and universities tied to such foreign governments.Through this plan, the Morrison Government announced a $70 million investment in quantum technologies, to give Australia the edge on this strategically valuable field – and the nation’s first-ever national quantum strategy will be informed by a National Committee on Quantum, led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley. The development, commercialisation and adoption of quantum technologies is expected to deliver Australia $4 billion in economic value and create 16,000 new jobs by 2040. More information: bit.ly/3oD6ZQWThe list of 63 critical technologies also includes advanced explosives, next-generation networks such as 5G and 6G, cybersecurity technologies, genomics and low-emission fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen. In addition to advancing Australia’s defensive capabilities, the development of these technologies will drive Australia’s economic recovery and future growth.This announcement coincides with the release of the Critical Technology Supply Chain Principles – to give businesses and consumers the confidence to take up, invest in, and further develop critical emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and algorithmic automation. The 10 supply chain principles are grouped under three pillars: security-by-design; transparency; and autonomy and integrity. The principles were developed in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including industry, non-government organisations, state and territory governments, and the community. More information: bit.ly/3DrBgs3More information on the Action Plan for Critical Technologies: bit.ly/3CrlXhC ... See MoreSee Less

How Australia is set to be a 'quantum technology leader in the Indo-Pacific'

www.skynews.com.au

Australia will invest $100 million in new technologies to help bolster the nation's defence capabilities and ensure the country remains "strong and safe".

Senator David Fawcett

2 weeks ago

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIANS AFTER SEVERE STORMSSevere storms including lightning, heavy rainfall, winds and hail, in late October caused significant damage and disruption to communities across SA. Disaster assistance is now available in 24 local government areas in South Australia – including Gawler, Light, Playford, Salisbury, and Tea Tree Gully, among others. On Friday, assistance was announced to be delivered through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – to provide a range of practical measures, including debris removal from properties, and access to personal and financial counselling – to help impacted individuals get back on their feet as soon as possible. The assistance is also to help local councils cover the costs of the extensive clean-up and the restoration of essential public assets, including roads. More information on assistance available: bit.ly/3nclM5w In addition to the DRFA, the $16.7 million joint Morrison and Marshall Governments investment over 5 years in the Disaster Risk Reduction Grants Program is improving disaster risk reduction and further strengthening SA communities against future bushfires, floods and natural disaster – announced by Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud, and SA Minister for Emergency Services Corey Wingard in July. Within the National Partnership Agreement on Disaster Risk Reduction, $1.36 million of this funding has been delivered for projects in 2021/22, to reduce the risk and limit the impact of disasters on communities. The 2021/22 grants include:✅$120,000 for the SA Department of Environment and Water to manage levee bank data and develop a database for the Gawler River Catchment✅$318,000 for the Australian Red Cross and the SA Council of Social Service ✅$225,000 to the SA Country Fire Service for a virtual bushfire risk information management system, and further coordination with the Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation in the APY LandsA full list of SA grant recipients: www.safecom.sa.gov.au/emergency-management/ ... See MoreSee Less

SA storm damage bill tipped to rise as clean-up support announced

www.abc.net.au

Residents in 24 areas across South Australia will have access to cash to clean-up storm damage after initial assessments show infrastructure and crop losses have already reached $350 million.