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The Victorian government has echoed it’s South Australian and NSW counterparts in backing the Commonwealth government’s announcement of BAE as the winning bidder of the $35 billion SEA 5000 Future Frigate program staking it’s claim to support the sovereign shipbuilding agenda.
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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 welcomed the Commonwealth government’s decision to name BAE Systems the prime contractor for the $35 billion SEA 5000 Future Frigate program.
“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,” said Minister Dalidakis.
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 in Victoria and has a significant presence in Williamstown and Richmond.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll said, “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.”
With a strong naval engineering workforce, 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.
“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. These major projects and contracts are important for Victoria – they give a huge boost to our economy and create local jobs,” said Minister Dalidakis.
