The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, is encouraging Australian businesses to back themselves and get involved in the Hunter-Class Frigate Program.
The Minister welcomed advice that more than 100 Australian suppliers have attended a procurement update in Adelaide to see how they can tap into the prototyping phase of the project, which will begin in 2020.
Defence industry businesses that supply minor equipment, material and services can support the first tranche of work, worth an estimated $20 million, as part of the $35 billion surface combatant acquisition program, the largest in Australia's history.
Minister Price said Australian small and medium businesses had an excellent opportunity to get involved in the defence industry.
"More than 800 businesses across Australia and several in New Zealand have already pre-qualified through the Industry Capability Network Gateway to work on the Hunter program," Minister Price said.
"These procurement updates are very important for maximizing Australian industry's involvement in the construction of the nine anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
"Events like these help ensure that job opportunities are being created across the country."
The Hunter-Class Frigate Program will form the foundation of the 'continuous build' program of the Morrison Government and open up new opportunities for Australian small and medium businesses in the supply chain.
"These nine lethal anti-submarine warfare frigates will rely on a highly capable defence industry and Australian Defence Force," Minister Price said.
"The program will create about 4000 jobs right around Australia and ensure we have a long and
prosperous future ahead for our shipbuilding industry."
Business that would like to register their interest on the Hunter Class Frigate Program should do so through the Industry Capability Network: https://icn.org.au
