The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has recommended the Government move to ratify the Agreement with the United States and United Kingdom for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (ENNPI).

Media release issue date: Friday, 17 December 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has recommended the Government move to ratify the Agreement with the United States and United Kingdom for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (ENNPI). Committee Chair Mr Dave Sharma MP said ‘This Agreement will help determine the optimal pathway for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, one of the most important strategic military capabilities for Australia in the decades ahead.’ “The Agreement will allow for the exchange of sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information with a third country for the first time, and provide a mechanism for Australian personnel to access training and education from UK and US counterparts, essential for learning how to safely build, operate and support nuclear-powered submarines.” “With our security environment growing more challenging in the decades ahead, a regionally superior submarine capability is critical to safeguard Australia’s security,’ said Dave Sharma MP. “This Agreement will help facilitate this capability,” he added. ‘The proposed Agreement will not affect Australia’s strong commitment to nuclear non-proliferation,’ Mr Sharma said. The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media inquiries Ms Jodie Mathews, Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold an inquiry into the Agreement between the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (ENNPI).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 23 November 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold an inquiry into the Agreement between the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (ENNPI). Committee Chair Mr Dave Sharma MP said, 'This Agreement will allow Australia to access critical naval nuclear propulsion information from the United States and United Kingdom, and allow the exchange of sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information with a third country for the first time.' 'It will help determine the optimal pathway for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, one of the most important strategic military capabilities for Australia in the decades ahead.' The ENNPI Agreement will also provide a mechanism for Australian personnel to access training and education from the UK and US counterparts, necessary for learning how to safely build, operate and support nuclear-powered submarines. The Committee is now accepting submissions and will hold a public hearing on Monday 29 November 2021. Further information on the inquiry can be found on the Committee website. Submissions Submissions to the inquiry are now open and close on Friday 26 November 2021. Public hearing The Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday 29 November 2021 at 11.15am AEDT. The program for the hearing will be made available online and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Ms Jodie Mathews, Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au