14
Accepted in Part
The Government must urgently remove barriers to workforce mobility across the AUKUS partners, beginning with...
Recommendation
The Government must urgently remove barriers to workforce mobility across the AUKUS partners, beginning with security clearances. We recommend that the MOD, working with trilateral partners and in consultation with industry, set out within six months a clear plan to enable mutual recognition or continuity of security clearances for AUKUS-related work, and report to Parliament on progress. The introduction of an AUKUS visa should be considered as part of this work. Failure to address this now will constrain collaboration, slow delivery, and impose escalating costs as the programme intensifies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62) 50
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the recommendation to address workforce mobility barriers, stating it's a top priority and accelerating efforts on security clearances. However, it will monitor progress through existing dialogues and rejects the need for an AUKUS visa, believing existing Home Office options are sufficient and will be signposted.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government welcomes the Committee’s recommendation and recognition of the need to proactively address workforce mobility within the partnership. Removing barriers to workforce mobility is a top priority within the partnership and is being explored at all levels across respective governments. During the Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue, for example, Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to work together to reduce these barriers, known as ‘frictionless trade’, between both nations. This includes accelerating efforts to address barriers to collaboration, specifically around mobility issues, security clearances, and cyber security standards. Progress will be monitored by the Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue and Australia-UK Ministerial consultations, as well as through ongoing discussions with industry and trade associations at both working level and Senior Official level. The Government also acknowledges the Committee’s suggestion to introduce an AUKUS Visa. However, the Home Office has an existing range of suitable options for industry and government personnel which we believe meet the needs of the AUKUS partnership. The Government will commit to signposting available options to stakeholders and ensuring these are streamlined effectively as the partnership progresses.
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Defence
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
28 Apr 2026