Joint media release
- Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC
The Morrison Government's updated Defence Strategy and ongoing commitment to maximising Australian industry involvement in Defence capability projects will create new jobs and investment in Tasmania over the coming decade and beyond.
As detailed in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan released by Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP and the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC today, the Government will invest a record $270 billion in Defence capability and infrastructure over the next decade across Australia.
Through this Plan, Defence plans to fund the expansion and upgrade of Hobart Airport and storage facilities to support increased ADF and civilian long range operations in the Southern Ocean.
Local industry involvement in the delivery of this project will be maximised through this Government's Local Industry Capability Plan initiative. This ensures that local suppliers, contractors and tradies have the opportunity to secure more of this work, creating more jobs in local communities.
Defence industry has a modest but growing presence in Tasmania. The maritime domain is the primary focus for defence businesses in Tasmania, many of which are small to medium enterprises within the supply chains of larger defence programs.
Additionally, Launceston is home to the Australian Maritime College at the University of Tasmania, which is a key partner of the Naval Shipbuilding College. Following a $30 million commitment by the Morrison Government, development is already underway for a Tasmanian Defence Innovation and Design Precinct, adjacent to the Australian Maritime College, to leverage and build on existing Tasmanian defence infrastructure and development and manufacturing capabilities.
Today, a number of Defence bases and science and technology capabilities are based in Tasmania supporting around 1,000 Defence personnel, including ADF permanent and reserve members and Australian Public Service employees. This figure will remain stable into the future.
The policies and investment in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan will make the ADF more capable for the wide range of scenarios Australia will face in the future, more agile to rapid changes, and more potent if a situation should call for it.
What is more, much of this investment in Australia's defence capabilities will go directly to Australian industry, creating jobs and skills. This Government's investment in defence capability is already benefitting around 15,000 Australian businesses, who support around 70,000 Australian workers. These numbers are set to increase in line with these new opportunities for Australian industry.
The Government recognises the vital role of Australian industry in delivering and sustaining defence capability, and is committed to maximising commercial opportunities for competitive Australian industry, including in Tasmania. Defence industry and innovation programs will be streamlined to support innovation, science and technology in the defence sector, and to create greater efficiency by reducing red tape.
This is a comprehensive plan to further build the resilience, agility and capability of the ADF, and create a more secure and safe Australia.
The people of Tasmania can have confidence that this Government will ensure that we can defend our nation and protect our interests today and into the future.
