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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Karen Middleton Political editor

Agency in charge of Australia’s $368bn submarine program faces staff morale crisis

A surfaced submarine at sea
The Australian Submarine Agency, overseeing the acquisition of US nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines, may be subject to an external review. Photograph: Ashley Cowan/U.S. Navy

The agency overseeing Australia’s almost $400bn acquisition of nuclear submarines is facing a staff morale crisis and the threat of an external review of its operations, with a key deputy director leaving after just a year.

The Australian Submarine Agency, or ASA, was established 17 months ago to oversee submarine purchases under the Aukus pact but Guardian Australia understands it has become the subject of growing government concern about its priorities, governance and leadership.

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