Tasmanian Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Madeleine Ogilvie says the State stands ready to play its part in Australia’s national defence with the release of the Defence Strategic Review Report.
Minister Ogilvie said she recognised that there will be Tasmanian companies who will be disappointed at the decision to reduce the scope of the LAND 400 Phase 3 – Land Combat Vehicle System (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) acquisition from 450 to 129 vehicles.
“I have already spoken with Australian Defence Industries Minister, Pat Conroy in relation to the Defence Strategic Review report, and outlined the case for Tasmanian manufacturers and businesses,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Our local defence industry has been long awaiting the outcome of this review, and it is absolutely essential that the Tasmanian industry and our people are able to participate in some of the largest defence procurement efforts Australia has undertaken in decades.
“That’s why I have called upon Minister Conroy to convene a meeting of Defence Industry Ministers, and invited Minister Conroy to Tasmania to meet with our industry leaders.”
The Minister said Tasmania’s maritime, communications, and systems work was second to none, and Team Tasmania’s participation across the six Defence Strategic Review priority areas must be prioritised.
“We welcome the review’s comments on the timeliness of defence procurement processes, and the desire to minimise the burden of working with Defence, particularly for small and medium enterprises,” she said.
“We are working through the full report to identify additional opportunities for our businesses, including opportunities in shipbuilding, space situational awareness, cyber security, and workforce development.
“There is no end to our aspirations for Tasmanian defence industry businesses – and the potential supply chains – and the Tasmanian Government will continue to work proactively and collaboratively with the Commonwealth.”
