- Published:
- Monday 27 February 2017
Victoria’s world-class defence industry will be on display to attract more investment and create more jobs as the Aerospace & Defence Exposition officially launches at Avalon Airport.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren to formally open the Avalon Airshow and associated trade event.
This week’s Defence Exposition and Airshow is putting the international spotlight on Victorian aviation, aerospace and defence, with more than 35,000 international delegates and 600 companies attending.
The events will promote Victorian defence industry excellence, facilitate networking and create trade opportunities, which means more jobs for our state.
Victoria’s $8 billion defence sector includes more than 300 companies, employing around 7,000 people.
Local companies have played a crucial role in the manufacture of the world-renowned Joint Strike Fighter – with 70 per cent of the Australian contracts awarded to Victorian businesses, including Marand and RUAG.
The Joint Strike Fighter will make its Australian debut on Friday.
In a bid to secure further defence contracts and create jobs, Avalon will feature advertisements for Defence Excellence – Mission Possible – a new campaign highlighting the strength of the Victorian defence industry.
The Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition runs for three trade-only days. The Australian International Airshow opens to the public at 2.00pm on Friday, 3 March.
The Avalon Airshow is expected to attract 200,000 visitors, create more than 2,000 jobs and boost Victoria’s economy by up to $150 million.
For more information about Victoria’s defence capabilities, visit www.defence.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Victoria has some of the brightest minds in aviation, aerospace and defence – and it’s only fitting that we put them on a global stage at the Avalon Airshow.”
“This is a great event which draws visitors from right around the world – it showcases excellence in our state’s defence industry and creates jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“We have a highly-skilled aerospace design and manufacturing workforce, and we are working hard each and every day to support this crucial sector and grow jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We pride ourselves on being the nation’s major events capital, and the Airshow is once again putting Victoria on the map.”