Agency in charge of Australia’s $368bn submarine program faces staff morale crisis

Exclusive: the 17-month-old department has lost a senior leader and ranked second worst for staff wellbeing in the annual public service census

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The agency overseeing Australia's almost $400bn acquisition of nuclear submarines is facing a staff morale crisis and the threat of an external review of its operations, with a key deputy director leaving after just a year.

The Australian Submarine Agency, or ASA, was established 17 months ago to oversee submarine purchases under the Aukus pact but Guardian Australia understands it has become the subject of growing government concern about its priorities, governance and leadership.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email