- Published:
- Monday 20 July 2015
The future of shipbuilding in Victoria is under threat and 800 high-skill jobs are at risk, but Tony Abbott is doing nothing to avert this disaster.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio in Williamstown to receive another update on the future of naval shipbuilding in the state.
Media reports last week confirmed once again that the soon-to-be released Defence White Paper could create an uncertain future for shipbuilding in Melbourne because the Abbott Government fails to recognise the importance of keeping these 800 highly-skilled workers.
The Andrews Labor Government is calling on the Abbott Government to avert this disaster by urgently moving to:
- Direct the AWD Alliance to have BAE at Williamstown do additional block work on the Air Warfare Destroyer project
- Reverse its decision to exclude Australian businesses from participating in the replacement of the two supply ships
- Fast track a selective tender to BAE to build the replacement Offshore Patrol Vessels
- Ensure Australian industry content is specified in all defence contracts.
The defence industry is one of the sectors of extraordinary potential growth that the Labor Government is targeting through the $200 million Future Industries Fund. This fund will support the transition of the Victorian economy through targeted sector strategies to grow Victorian industries and create more jobs.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our defence assets are paid 100 per cent by Australian taxes, so they should support Australian jobs.”
“These 800 jobs are at risk, because Tony Abbott and Defence Minister Kevin Andrews refuse to place an order.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“So long as the Victorian Defence Minister, Kevin Andrews continues to show a total disregard for Victorian jobs, we will keep fighting for our fair share of defence work.”
“We have the capability to lead the world in this high-growth sector, and our $200 million Future Industries Fund aims to achieve just that.”