Defence jobs must come to QLD, not go overseas: Minister
Queensland stands to gain handsomely from the Federal Government’s $270 billion defence splurge, but a state minister has cautioned on a major risk to the boom.
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DEFENCE jobs will be crucial to Queensland’s post-COVID-19 recovery, State Development Minister Kate Jones will say as she urges the Federal Government to secure the work for the state and not send it overseas.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced $270 billion in defence spending over the next decade, including multibillion-dollar contracts up for grabs for advance land vehicles manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and drones, as well as shipbuilding and maintenance as well as munitions.
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Ms Jones said of the money at least $800 million was going to the US to buy long-range missiles, but more needed to be done to ensure the bulk of the work was done locally.
“We’re urging the Prime Minister to put Queenslanders first,” she said.
“Don’t send these defence contracts overseas – give them to Queensland companies to support local jobs.
“Naval maintenance contracts in Cairns, training facilities in Rockhampton, vehicle manufacturing in Ipswich and a stronger military presence in Townsville – this is what this funding should deliver for Queensland.”
Work that will be available include up to $3 billion in contracts to upgrade barracks, including Enoggera, Lavarack and Cabarlah, as well as RAAF bases and the HMAS Cairns.
Other major contracts Queensland could secure include the $27 billion infantry fighting vehicle contract, heavy truck work worth $2 billion, and the $11 billion future autonomous vehicle research and construction.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said on Wednesday that the LNP voting bloc, dubbed Team Queensland, would actively start positioning to ensure the state secured key opportunities from the $270 billion defence spend.