“Australia can’t deliver AUKUS without a significant boost to our defence capability,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“The highly skilled workers needed to drive this are educated at our universities.

“At every stage of the process – from acquisition to construction to disposal – the project hinges on the skills and expertise of university-educated professionals.

“Government needs to recognise and acknowledge this.

“AUKUS is one of the most significant industrial undertakings in Australia’s history. It is too important to get wrong.

“Universities want to be in lockstep with government to ensure the project is delivered smoothly and successfully.

“We should be front and centre of all discussions and decisions around workforce and skills development.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with government on these issues of national importance.”