JOINT STATEMENT with Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds, Minister for Defence
The Morrison Government’s significant investment to build and sustain 30 self-
propelled howitzers in Geelong will deliver up to 350 jobs and provide vital capability for the Australian Army.
Labor’s claim that our pledge to deliver these jobs is a “patent lie”, as reported in the Geelong Advertiser, is blatantly false.
This demonstrates that Shadow Defence Spokesperson and Member for Corio
Richard Marles is completely out of his depth and does not understand the process
of procuring and contracting defence industry projects.
The Government consulted with defence industry to determine that up to 350 jobs
would be created as a result of this important project to deliver the capability the
Army needs.
In considering any defence industry project, the provision of local jobs as part of a
contractor’s obligations to deliver Australian industry content is integral.
The Morrison Government is focused on maximising opportunities for Australian industry and is extremely proud of its commitment to build and sustain 30 self-
propelled howitzers in Geelong.
Labor not only delayed this project, but cancelled it. Labor didn’t think about the best interests of our nation, nor did they think that Geelong deserved the new jobs that would have flowed.Hundreds of jobs will now be created in Geelong as a result of this Government’s commitment and will draw from the impressive manufacturing skills base across the region.
23 February 2020