SHOTS FIRED OVER JOBS

Marles calls to fast-track $1b Defence project

DEPUTY Opposition Leader Richard Marles has called on the Federal Government to fast-track its $1 billion promise to build 30 howitzer tanks in Geelong as the city reels from COVID-19 job losses.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed to reviving the onceshelved project on the eve of the 2019 election.

DEPUTY Opposition Leader Richard Marles has called on the Federal Government to fast-track the timeline on a $1 billion promise to build 30 howitzer tanks in Geelong.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed to reviving the once-shelved project on the eve of last year’s election.

Mr Marles, the Opposition defence spokesman and Corio MP, called on Mr Morrison to provide clarity on a timeline for the project — set to create up to 350 local jobs — amid new statistics revealing more than half a million jobs have been lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know from the latest figures that more than 10,000 jobs have been lost in Geelong and the Surf Coast. Nationwide, there have been nearly 600,000 jobs have been lost,” he said.

Under the current timeline, the Howitzer project was due to start by 2022-23.

“This highlights the need for the Government to come good with their promise of 350 jobs from the howitzer program to the region,” he said.

A defence spokesman told the Geelong Advertiser a request for information was received last December and responses were still being finalised.

“Defence will aim to maximise Australian industry involvement across the supply chain as this project develops,” he said.

It comes months after allegations the Department of Defence was only told about the project to build the weapons in Geelong after it was announced.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the Government was committed to the “security, stability and prosperity” of Australia.

“To deliver on that commitment, we are investing an unprecedented $200 billion in Australian Defence Force capability,” Senator Reynolds said.

“By reviving this project, we are not only delivering the capability the Army needs, but also creating opportunities for Australian defence industry.”

The project was originally shelved by Labor in 2012.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said Mr Marles’s decision to criticise timelines was “the height of hypocrisy”.

“As the chief of Army has made clear, the need for this capability has been ‘longstanding’,” Senator Henderson said. “It is the height of hypocrisy for Mr Marles to criticise anyone on SP Howitzers given his party’s dismal record on this project.”

Mr Marles’s calls were backed by G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines, who wanted to see the project fast-tracked to benefit regional jobs. “We’re calling on the Government to provide clarity on this incredibly important project. We think the project should be brought forward,” she said.