- Queensland-made combat vehicles are set to become one of Australia's biggest defence exports
- The $1 billion agreement would deliver more than 100 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles for the German Bundeswehr
- Rheinmetall Defence Australia would build the Boxers at its Redbank facility, guaranteeing more work for its 600-strong workforce
Queensland-made military vehicles are reportedly set to become one of Australia's biggest defence exports in a deal to be inked by the Federal Government.
The deal would see Australia export locally made Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles from Rheinmetall Defence Australia's Ipswich headquarters.
Rheinmetall's state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) is located at Redbank and is part of the largest and most advanced heavy vehicle manufacturing precinct in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"This announcement is a huge win for advanced manufacturing and jobs in Queensland.
"It means long-term good secure jobs for Queenslanders.
"Queensland manufactures everything from trucks to trains providing good, high-paying jobs and careers particularly in regional Queensland.
"This is yet another tick for the government's determination to partner with companies like Rheinmetall and make more in Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles:
"Having Australia's most advanced military manufacturing facility call Queensland home means big deals and more jobs.
"That's why the Palaszczuk Government worked to attract global defence giant Rheinmetall to Queensland.
"Being able to export home-grown state-of-the-art combat vehicles would continue to boost Queensland's economy and defence manufacturing capabilities."
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:
"This deal with Germany proves why it has been so important for us to develop the skills and infrastructure to support defence industries right here in Queensland.
"This means highly-skilled engineering jobs for decades to come, and a pipeline of work for the many small and medium businesses that help Rheinmetall build the Boxer.
"Our Government will continue to pursue opportunities to bring more industries, more companies, and more skilled secure jobs to Queensland."
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum:
"Exporting more Queensland-made armoured vehicles means more local, specialised jobs at MILVEHCOE in Redbank.
"Already, the over 600 highly skilled, good local jobs are supported in the production of defence vehicles at MILVEHCOE.
"The Queensland Government has established a long-term partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia and we will continue to grow our defence manufacturing here at home."
