Today’s announcement that 80 trade positions will be lost at BAE Shipyards in early July is yet another signal that the Abbott Government needs to hurry up and place an order to protect Victorian jobs.

Federal Defence Minister and Victorian MP Kevin Andrews’ must give Victoria’s defence workers the certainty they deserve.

Last week, the Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, sought a meeting with Kevin Andrews to urge the Abbott Government to immediately:

• Accelerate the SEA 5000 Future Frigate and SEA 1179/80 Patrol Boat replacement projects and commit to building the ships in Australia – a recommendation of the RAND report.
• Provide funding for a fourth Air Warfare Destroyer, a strategy also identified in the RAND report
• Specify Australian industry content for the Navy’s replenishment ships and ensure BAE has an opportunity to compete for this work.
• Bring forward the timing of decisions and awarding of the Pacific Patrol Boat contract to early 2016.

Only by putting Australian defence industries first can the Abbott Government ensure our defence personnel have the equipment they need to safely secure our national interests.

The Andrews Labor Government is doing everything possible to back Victorian defence workers and support this industry.

The 2015-16 Victorian Budget provides $200 million for a Future Industries Fund to invest in our high-growth industries, such as defence technology.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Abbott Government is abandoning Victorian workers. Tony Abbott needs to place an order to save these jobs.”

“Only by putting Australian defence manufacturing first can the Abbott Government ensure our defence personnel have the equipment they need to safely secure our national interests.”

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