Perks in defence deal bid

INCENTIVES including land tax and payroll tax concessions could be on the table as the Palaszczuk Government fights against Victoria to secure a lucrative multi- billion- dollar war machine contract for the state.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the state was prepared to do whatever it took to lure the contract here.

“We intend to do whatever we can. We are looking at everything,” Ms Trad said.

“It’s incredibly important. This is something that the State Government has been working on for quite a number of months.”

Ms Trad would not say which specific incentives had been offered to the companies involved, but it is understood the usual practice involves land and payroll tax concessions as well as assistance in finding suitable land project concerned.

Federal Coalition MPs have also formed a powerful bloc in a bid to push for the contract to come to Queensland, lobbying Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the two multinational companies in the running, Rheinmetall Defence Australia and BAE Systems Australia.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has sought the counsel of former Hawke government defence minister Kim Beazley in a bid to ensure the state was on the right track in negotiations. Defence experts said the Land 400 project – one of the biggest in Defence Department history – has the potential to reshape the Queensland economy.

About 150 of the combat vehicles will be based in Queensland to support brigades in Townsville and Enoggera. for the