WA defence industry briefed on major naval programs

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

• Defence industry in WA to gain understanding of shipbuild programs
• Programs expected to create more job opportunities for West Australians

A major plank of the Liberal National Government's plan to broaden the Western Australian economy was showcased today as local companies learnt how to secure a slice of Australia's $89 billion future naval shipbuilding program.

Deputy Premier Liza Harvey said the State Government partnered with the Australian Government's Department of Defence to host a shipbuilding roadshow to ensure the State's naval, shipbuilding and maintenance sector had a full understanding of two major naval surface vessel build programs.

"More than 230 delegates from WA companies had their chance to learn how best to secure part of the multibillion-dollar contracts and gain insight and assistance of doing business with the Department of Defence," Ms Harvey said.

The Deputy Premier said the State had much to offer to current and future shipbuilding programs, which were set to deliver thousands of direct jobs and many more national supply-chain opportunities.

"Nowhere else in Australia can you find an experienced shipbuilding industry with the likes of ASC, Austal, BAE Systems, Raytheon, SAAB and Thales in one location, directly opposite the nation's largest naval base, HMAS Stirling," she said.

"WA's naval shipbuilding capability is internationally competitive, with a supply base that has honed its skills in highly competitive and demanding markets across broad sectors including oil and gas, mining and marine.

"The local industry is already undertaking much of the work related to repairing, maintaining and sustaining these vessels, so industry briefings like this can boost our chance to be part of future programs, which will in turn, create thousands of jobs for West Australians."

The Deputy Premier said the Liberal National Government was actively pursuing future opportunities to build on WA's standing as the Navy's maintenance and sustainment hub.

"This week, Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has travelled to Europe to meet with Lurssen, Fassmer and Damen, the shortlisted designers for the Offshore Patrol Vessel program, as well as DCNS, the preferred designer of the Future Submarine program," she said.

"During this visit, he will discuss how Western Australian industry can play a role in delivering and sustaining these significant projects, which will support job opportunities across numerous industries, including engineering, computing and cyber security, information technology, science and business.

"This Government recognises the importance of current and future defence programs and is working to ensure our local industry has the capability and opportunity to take part." 

Fact File

• The Australian Government has committed $89 billion to naval shipbuilding
• The program includes nine Future Frigates worth $35 billion to be built from 2020
• The program also includes 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels worth $3 billion, with 10 to be built in WA