UK defence secretary John Healey gives HMAS Stirling tick of approval ahead of submarine influx

The UK defence secretary has declared Perth’s submarine base at HMAS Stirling passes muster, while warning that a larger presence in the Indo-Pacific is crucial for world peace. John Healey also urged Australia and other allies to help rally Ukraine against Russia, while an oil ship off WA’s coast sparked fears Australian money is aiding the Kremlin invasion. The oil tanker Seferis arrived off Kwinana on Sunday night, laden with oil that likely originated in Russia but was refined in Jamnager, India and so is not subject to Australian trade sanctions. “I can’t speak to that case, what I can say is a huge thank you and appreciation to Australia,” Mr Healey said. “It’s been one of a number of nations beyond Europe that has been steadfast in standing and supporting Ukraine. It makes this case, doesn’t it, that when a nation is threatened in Europe, it matters to other nations around the world and it serves as a lesson for us that we are stronger when we’re together.” A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Seferis was an example of loopholes in global tracking, aiming to starve Russia of oil revenue. “Regrettably, the mechanisms we would need to track and monitor all energy products via third countries are not in place in those countries,” they said. “We are evaluating options to place further pressure on Russia’s oil reserves.” Mr Healey urged allies to “step up” military aid for Ukraine. “The task for us all is to try and bring Putin to the negotiating table,” he said. “President (Donald) Trump’s 50 day deadline to come to the table means that we have to step up the military aid we can give to Ukraine now to keep it in the fight.” He rejected concerns that a Trump-administration review of AUKUS could water down the tri-lateral pact, and confirmed that the UK will deploy an Astute-class submarine to HMAS Stirling next year, ahead of a sub-rotational force that will be based in Perth from 2027. “This is a deep treaty between the three nations,” Mr Healey said. “This is a big benefit to the US. It helps them get more subs into the Indo Pacific in the short term. It means together the three nations will build more subs for the Indo Pacific.” Construction on critical upgrades of HMAS Stirling is due to get underway later this year, with AUKUS hailed by the State Government as a major job creator. “The whole State is ready to help with AUKUS,” Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said. “We’re ready to help the Royal Navy, the British, with their challenges and their intent around growing efforts. We have industry players who can help build nuclear submarines and do other defence work right now.” Underwater specialist Franmarine is one WA business that is poised to cash in on AUKUS, already swapping notes with companies in the UK and US to clean and sustain nuclear-powered submarines. “In terms of our workforce we’ll almost need to double, so it’s huge change,” Franmarine general manager, and former navy clearance diver, Tom Hazel said. “What we want to be able to provide to the AUKUS partners is that service and support when they’re alongside here in Sub Fleet West. And so that means we’re going to need to scale up to meet that demand.”