Can't remember the name of this book...

[Laurel]

A sci-fi written by British author, starts with secretary in London accidentally finding out something she shouldn't, most of the story set in Australia where space ships are secretly being built and only the richest people in the world know about it and have paid their share so they can ride the ships out before the world is ruined by something. Some folks in Australia catch on that this is happening and try to intervene. Anyone know the name of the book or the likely author? Thanks