Seven briefings will be held in the next two months to provide regional Australians more information about movements in the Naval Shipbuilding Industry.
Christopher Pyne, the minister for defence, has announced the events, which will discuss the government’s $89 billion shipbuilding endeavor nationwide.
The agenda includes the Future Frigate program will replace eight ANZAC class ships with nine future frigates, while the Offshore Patrol Vessel program is replacing 13 Armidale Class Patrol Boats with 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels.
The Offshore Patrol Vessels are due to begin construction Adelaide in 2018 and will move production to Henderson, Western Australia in 2020.
Construction of the Future Frigate program is expected to start by 2020 in Adelaide.
“The industry briefings will focus on the next generation of naval surface ships; specifically the Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessels, which represent a $39 billion investment by the Australian Government,” Pyne said.
“The Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs will directly create over 2,500 jobs for Australians indirectly supporting the jobs of many thousands more.
“To ensure this occurs, it is critical that we provide Australian companies with opportunities to enter the supply chain.
“Where possible and practical, Australian companies should have the opportunity to benefit from the economic advantages of a thriving domestic defence sector.
“Importantly, this will contribute to the ability of the Australian Defence Force to respond to our national security requirements,” Minister Pyne said.
Industry participants will be provided high-level updates on the progress of the two shipbuilding programs and how they can get involved through registering with the newly-launched Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC).
“The CDIC is a partnership between Defence and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to support Australian industry by offering practical advice and assistance needed to work with Defence,” Pyne continued.
“Almost 400 businesses have registered for shipbuilding updates through CDIC’s portal to date.”
Regional briefings will be held in Geelong (April 7), Geraldton (April 11), Nowra (April 11), Bunbury (April 12), Whyalla (May 4), Newcastle (TBC) and Cairns (TBC).
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