The Morrison Government's pledge to ensure the benefits of its investment in Defence capability flow to Aussie businesses is gaining momentum, with three local companies awarded contracts totalling more than $800,000 to support the Hunter class frigate program.
BAE Systems Australia has brought forward prototyping contract agreements with South Australian-based companies Century Engineering and Novafast International, and Victorian firm Mackay Consolidated Industries.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price welcomed the latest step forward for the Government's signature Australian Industry Capability policy, which is delivering jobs and ensuring competitive Australian businesses get the opportunity to participate in Defence programs.
"This is the latest example of this Government's commitment to developing a world-class sovereign defence industrial capability and ensuring that Australian industry and workers build the capability the Australian Defence Force needs to keep us safe," Minister Price said.
The three companies will provide a range of pipe infrastructure for the prototyping phase of the Royal Australian Navy's future Hunter class frigate program, which is currently underway at Osborne, South Australia.
"The Morrison Government's commitment to AIC has given BAE Systems Australia the confidence to engage with Australian industry and to bring forward these contracts, investing in the skills and capability of Australian workers and industry," Minister Price said.
The three Australian businesses join the likes of BlueScope Steel AIS, Infrabuild Steel Centre, APS Adelaide Profile Services, and TQCSI-Yaran as the latest members of BAE Systems Australia's local supply chain.
The Hunter class program will deliver nine of the world's best anti-submarine warfare frigates to the Royal Australian Navy, creating around 4000 direct and indirect Australian jobs across the program.
