The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victoria’s defence industry to be part of the delivery of Australia’s next generation warships.
Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis today welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s decision to name BAE Systems the prime contractor for the $35 billion SEA 5000 Future Frigate program.
The Labor Government has been in productive discussions with BAE Systems about ways to involve Victoria in the program. This includes opportunities for local defence companies in BAE Systems’ supply chain and potentially delivering aspects of SEA 5000 from Victoria.
Victoria has an extensive history in naval shipbuilding, with Victorian workers having designed and built Anzac-class frigates.
BAE Systems Australia also conducted the fit-out of the Landing Helicopter Dock ships and constructed modules for the Air Warfare Destroyers here in Victoria, and has a significant presence in Williamstown and Richmond.
With a strong naval engineering workforce, unrivalled experience in design and support of Royal Australian Navy platforms, Victoria is ready to work with BAE Systems and the Commonwealth Government.
Victoria’s defence sector is worth $8 billion to the local economy every year and is made up of about 20,000 workers and more than 400 businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“SEA 5000 is a fantastic opportunity to secure investment in our defence sector, grow our defence capabilities and open up trade opportunities as part of BAE Systems’ global supply chain.”
“These major projects and contracts are important for Victoria – they give a huge boost to our economy and create local jobs.”
“I'm pleased that 163 Victorian companies have already been pre-qualified by BAE Systems and we will be supporting those firms in their efforts to secure work on this once in a generation program.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Victoria is the home of defence manufacturing and we’ll be making sure we get our fair share of work on SEA 5000.”
“We have more than 150-years’ experience in shipbuilding and we have the supply chain and world leading research and development capabilities needed to help deliver Australia’s next generation warships.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020