Defence industry wants commitment to a local build before election

Defence industry wants commitment to a local build before election Following today’s reports the Federal Government is considering revealing the build location of Australia’s future submarines in coming weeks, Australia’s defence industry is calling on the Federal Government to end the uncertainty and announce whether it is committed to a local build before the Federal Election. Chris Burns, from the Australian Made Defence campaign said Australian voters can be certain that if the Coalition Government backs away from a commitment before the polls, the local industry is unlikely to be awarded the project. “The Government doesn’t need to have all the answers to know whether or not they are committed to a strong, supported, local defence industry. If they are – they need to commit to a local build ahead of the election, so the industry can start to plan ahead. “If we don’t get commitment before the election, we can be certain the Coalition is not committed to a local build – and voters are likely to take that issue to the poll with them. “But outside the political arena, keeping the build of our fleets on our shores also makes sense economically. “The Government’s own RAND report recommended that the construction of offshore patrol vessels should commence where the frigates are to be built to preserve the skilled workforce, de-risk both projects and deliver the first four offshore patrol vessels effectively for free. “The only way the Government can truly achieve a continuous shipbuilding philosophy is for it to develop a national shipbuilding strategy that provides a long-term plan for the construction and sustainment of the Government’s naval and non-naval maritime requirements. “Without a clear commitment to a local build, industry is not able to effectively plan for the future. Australians across the country have already been affected by the valley of death in shipbuilding and continued uncertainty risks more jobs and threatens to undermine Australia’s defence capabilities. “The defence industry and Australian voters are waiting for leadership before politics on defence acquisition with a commitment to a local build of our future subs before any election,” said Mr Burns.