The announcement made by the Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Industry in Adelaide today details the Government’s plan for the future of the Australia-wide shipbuilding enterprise and gives confidence to industry for the future of naval shipbuilding.
“I congratulate the government for delivering this Plan. This is great news for industry. This is a plan that confirms the clear commitment of the government of achieving a capable Australian shipbuilding industry which provides confidence and certainty to the Australian Industry”, Navantia Australia’s Managing Director Francisco Barón has said.
“The Naval Shipbuilding Plan gives industry a clear direction so that we can develop our local workforce, grow our operations in Australia and compete for global export opportunities.
“Navantia’s experience operating in Australia, particularly through the Hobart Class destroyer program, has given us a great understanding of the existing capacity of the Australian Supply Chain and Workforce. That, combined with the Government’s record investment in shipbuilding and a plan for the future, provides opportunities for continuing growth and investment in Australia well into the future.
Warren King, Board Member of Navantia Australia has welcomed the announcement and says naval shipbuilding has the ability to become a key pillar of Australia’s industrial base.
“Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry offers a lot to our nation well into the future but it relies on investment, a clear plan and enthusiasm. All of that is evidenced in today’s announcement.
“Modernising the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet has to be a key priority of our domestic shipbuilding industry but the export opportunities that will flow in the future are particularly exciting.
“This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Australia’s naval ship building industry – one that Navantia Australia is excited about and is looking forward to playing a role in well into the future”, Mr King concluded.