Australia’s submarine company, ASC, is deepening its commitment towards Australia’s veteran community by establishing a dedicated Veterans Advisory Committee.
Made up of both veterans and non-veterans, the new committee will champion the needs of ex‑serving employees, strengthen veteran inclusion across ASC, and create clearer, more supportive pathways for those transitioning to civilian careers in Australia’s defence industry.
The initiative reflects ASC’s profound and enduring respect for the service, sacrifice and expertise of Australia’s veterans. It will ensure their voices and lived experience are not only acknowledged but embedded in the way ASC supports its people.
Through the committee, ASC aims to nurture a strong sense of belonging, enhance professional development opportunities, and help retain the invaluable contribution veterans make to the organisation. It will also play a key role in encouraging more veterans to join ASC’s workforce.
In October last year, ASC strengthened its support for the veteran community by joining the South Australian Veteran Employer Network (SAVEN). Facilitated by Veterans SA, SAVEN enables employers to build genuine veteran-ready workplaces, connecting them with like-minded employers to share guidance, expertise and talent, strengthening veteran employment practices across the South Australian business community.
ASC Acting Chief Executive Officer Alex Walsh said the Veterans Advisory Committee reflects the company’s gratitude for the extraordinary contribution veterans have made – not only to the nation, but to ASC over more than four decades.
“Veterans have made an immense and lasting contribution to ASC for more than 40 years,” Alex said.
“More than 100 veterans currently work at ASC in a wide range of roles. The establishment of the Veterans Advisory Committee, along with our involvement in the South Australian Veteran Employer Network, is one way we honour their service and ensure our organisation remains a place where their experience is valued, respected and supported.
“Veterans are central to building a diverse, inclusive and highly skilled workforce that will deliver and sustain Australia’s submarines for generations to come.”
ASC Chief People and Workforce Development Officer Joanne Horne said ASC had always recognised the depth of experience and character that veterans bring to the organisation.
“Veterans contribute unique skills, perspectives and values shaped by their service to Australia,” Joanne said.
“They lead with integrity, they bring resilience, and they communicate and solve problems with clarity and purpose – qualities that make them exceptional contributors at ASC.
“The Veterans Advisory Committee ensures ex-serving employees have a meaningful voice in shaping policies and programs that genuinely support them, whether they have recently transitioned or have been part of the ASC family for many years. It is an important step in strengthening how we recognise value and care for one another.”
South Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Joe Szakacs said with South Australia delivering some of the nation’s most important defence projects, building the workforce to support them is critical to the state’s future.
“Veterans bring valuable skills and real-world experience that strengthen South Australia’s defence industry and supporting their transition into civilian roles benefits veterans, employers and the capability of our state,” Minister Szakacs said.
“ASC’s new Veterans Advisory Committee is an important step that supports ex-serving personnel into meaningful careers and helps grow the skilled defence workforce South Australia will need for the decades ahead.”
Editor’s notes:
ASC has proudly served as Australia’s submarine builder and sustainer for 40 years. ASC built Australia’s Collins Class submarines and now maintains and upgrades them, while providing in-operation service and support.
In March 2024, ASC was selected as the Australian Government’s Sovereign Submarine Partner to sustain and, together with BAE Systems, jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines at Osborne, known as SSN-AUKUS.
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Photo: (l-r) ASC personnel Clayton, former Army intelligence officer, served 12 years; Anthony, former Army engineering officer, served 13 years; Andra, former Navy combat systems operator, served five years; Tobias, former Navy hydrographic surveyor, served seven years; Anita, former Army transport officer, served 11 years; and Karl, instrumental in setting up ASC’s Veterans Advisory Committee and inaugural committee member.