Call for state incentives in Land 400 defence contract push
MEMBER for Corangamite Sarah Henderson says the Victorian Government needs to immediately arm the state’s Land 400 defence contract bid with incentives.
After emerging from talks on the project with international defence companies during Avalon’s Australian International Airshow, Ms Henderson said Daniel Andrews’ Government needed to be doing more to help clinch part of the $10 billion project to manufacture armoured combat vehicles.
She said time was critical but while the South Australian Government had offered an estimated $100 million in incentives, Victoria had been silent since the announcement of a tender response on February 19.
“By now the Victorian Government should have opened the defence procurement office it promised for Geelong. It should have also announced the very best incentive package,” Ms Henderson said.
“This might include offering financial incentives for every job created, payroll and other tax concessions, fast-tracking of planning approvals, the provision of manufacturing infrastructure and a Land 400 regional headquarters.
“At the Avalon Airshow, I held discussions with key international defence companies as part of my efforts to push Geelong’s Land 400 credentials.”
Victorian Industry Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the State Government was doing all it could to support the bid.
“Since day one, the Andrews Labor Government has put our defence jobs and business first,” she said.
“We welcomed the announcement that Victorian business have the opportunity to tender for the Land 400. We will do everything we can to see these vehicles built, fitted out and maintained in Victoria.
“The Land 400 announcement is Tony Abbott and Sarah Henderson’s attempt to divert attention from their disastrous defence supply policies.
“The naval shipbuilding industry remains in an extremely uncertain environment, with jobs and expertise already being lost. I hope Sarah Henderson is strongly urging (federal Defence Minister) Kevin Andrews to get Australia’s naval shipbuilders back to work now and into the long term.”