State issues call to arms

TWO companies vying for a multibillion-dollar war machine contract have been urged at the 11th hour to base their operations in Queensland.

Federal LNP MPs have written to Rheinmetall Defence Australia and BAE Systems Australia telling the companies not to discount the spirit of Queenslanders.

The share of up to $5 billion in Defence spending, plus a further $15 billion in follow-on projects, has sparked a force in Canberra, “Team Queensland”.

The 26 LNP MPs and senators will demand more from the Prime Minister to ensure Queensland gets a better deal in government projects.

Only one company will win Land 400 phase 2 and both have said they will choose either Queensland or Victoria to build the “tank on wheels”.