The Federal Budget postponement will not delay funding of the Australian Maritime College's proposed $30 million Maritime Defence Innovation and Design Precinct.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 2020-21 Federal Budget, which has been delayed from its usual delivery in May until October 6 because of the coronavirus, was expected to contain a year by year breakdown of the precinct's funding.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
However, a spokesman for Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: "There is no requirement to seek additional approval from Parliament for the [precinct]".
"While the 2020-21 budget process will not occur as usual, the Parliament has passed 2020-21 Supply Bills that provide approximately seven twelfths of annual appropriations for the ongoing business of government from 1 July, 2020," the spokesman said.
"This will ensure defence can continue to deliver on defence outcomes, including the funding committed to the Tasmania Defence Innovation and Design Precinct in the 2019-20 MYEFO [Mid-Year Economic and Financial Outlook]."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised $30 million for phase one of the precinct during the 2019 election campaign.
"Defence is continuing to work with the University of Tasmania/Australian Maritime College on the operational concept for the [precinct]," the spokesman said.
The Australian Maritime College told stakeholders last year it is anticipating a funding breakdown of $3 million in 2020-21, $15 million in 2021-22 and $12 million in 2022-23.
The precinct is expected to provide a collaborative environment that supports development, testing and evaluation of national sovereign naval and civilian maritime capabilities.