Government holds fourth Collins Product of Concern Summit

The Government has held its fourth Product of Concern Summit in Canberra on Monday 2 March 2026 to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines.

“I was pleased to convene the fourth Product of Concern summit for the Collins class submarine fleet today. This process helps ensure Australia has a highly-capable conventional submarine fleet for many years to come, and as we transition to nuclear-powered submarines,” Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said.

Minister Conroy convened the summit alongside Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher, and senior representatives from government and industry.

“By bringing Defence and industry together on a regular basis, we maintain oversight and transparency of the capabilities required by the Australian Defence Force to preserve peace and deter conflict,” Minister Conroy stated.

Since being listed as a Product of Concern in December 2024, Defence and the contractor, ASC, have developed a remediation plan for the sustainment of the Collins class.

This plan, it is hoped, will ensure Collins class submarines remain among the most capable conventionally powered submarines in the world.

Since the revitalisation of Defence’s Projects and Products of Concern process in 2022, the Government has strengthened the oversight and remediation of defence projects.

Remediation is being achieved through targeted workforce initiatives, process improvements and productivity reform.

The Product of Concern framework has continued to play a crucial role in driving cooperation, accountability and sustained action across government and industry.

This is the twelfth Project of Concern Summit since May 2022.