Media statement to Geelong Advertiser
“In contrast to the Coalition’s delivery of hundreds of defence manufacturing jobs to Geelong, the Albanese Government is leaving defence industry behind and in the dark.
The industry is already hurting after the government’s Defence Strategic Review saw Army capabilities cannibalised by massive cuts to the the Howitzer defence project, based at Avalon, and the LAND 400 Phase 3 infantry fighting vehicles program.
Now Labor is delaying its decision for a preferred tenderer for LAND 400 Phase 3, which was due last year, even further. This is causing considerable harm to the Geelong-based bidder, Hanwha Defense Australia.
It is time for Defence Minister Richard Marles and the government to stop dragging their feet and provide clarity and certainty to defence industry.”