Dozens of new jobs as Boeing Defence Australia signs $140m deal at Edinburgh RAAF base

A $139.5m contract will create dozens of new lucrative jobs for South Australians – including entry-level apprenticeships. Here’s how to cash in.

A new Royal Australian Air Force defence contract will create dozens of jobs ranging from entry-level to high-paid technical roles, with almost $140m committed to upgrading a major military aircraft.

The Albanese Government has signed a $139.5 million contract with Boeing Defence Australia to upgrade the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which are used for maritime patrol.

Federal Defence Minister Pat Conroy said the announcement created an additional 50 new jobs on the existing 283-person workforce currently employed by Boeing Defence Australia at Edinburgh.

The new employment opportunities will include a range of blue and white collar roles, ranging from on-the-ground trades to high-end work in technology and systems management.

The work will enhance the aircraft’s anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

“Investing in this critical upgrade to our P-8A Poseidon fleet will create new opportunities for apprentices to learn valuable skills and forge a career that offers long-term and well-paid employment, while also ensuring our Defence Force is equipped with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe,” Mr Conroy said.

Flying Officer Elise Champion performs pre-flight checks on a P-8A Poseidon prior to departure from RAAF Base Edinburgh. Picture: Supplied

Member for Spence Matt Burnell said the announcement was a massive boon for jobs and growth in the northern suburbs and would deliver lucrative roles for South Australia.

“With apprenticeship pathways as part of this program, this signifies a substantial step in the right direction of providing well paying, secure jobs into the future,” Mr Burnell said.

“Further wins like this in the Northern Suburbs pose an exciting opportunity for young people in the electorate to be a part of a program with a world leading company like Boeing Defence Australia and contribute to Australia’s defence industry.”