- Published:
- Thursday 25 February 2016
The Andrews Labor Government calls on the Prime Minister to commit to building the Navy’s 12 new submarines outlined in the Defence White Paper in Australia with targets set for Australian content.
The White Paper reveals the preferred partner to build the new submarines will be announced this year but the Federal Government has not committed to where they will be built.
Victoria believes there should be a national approach to the submarine project that draws on the collective shipbuilding expertise across the country.
Victoria’s defence sector has a world class innovative supply chain network and the manufacturing capability to supply these major projects.
The state’s defence industry is worth $8 billion a year, with more than 300 businesses employing 7,000 people.
If the submarines are built offshore there will be limited opportunity for Victorian industry and workers to participate.
Victoria has world class ship building capabilities with high skilled jobs that must not be lost.
The Prime Minister can keep the Williamstown shipyard alive by fast tracking a selective tender to BAE Systems to build the Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels at Williamstown and awarding them a contract to do the block work on the navy frigates, which will be built in South Australia.
Victoria also has a proven track record of producing state of the art military vehicles such as the Bushmaster and Hawkei, which are built in Bendigo.
Victoria has the existing capability to build the Army’s Land 400 combat vehicles outlined in the White Paper and the Andrews Labor Government calls on the Commonwealth to ensure these vehicles are built in Victoria by Victorian workers.
The Turnbull Government must recognise that Victoria has the largest defence manufacturing industry in Australia and should be given a fair share of the work on national defence projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“Whether it’s building offshore patrol vessels or military vehicles, Victoria has the expertise and capability to deliver national defence projects that will boost our economy and create jobs – particularly if there are targets for local content.”
“The Turnbull Government must support local jobs by building major defence projects in Australia. Victoria has the capability to build and supply both major shipbuilding and combat vehicle projects and should be given a fair share of the work.”