Prime Minister visits Bushmaster factory in regional Victoria

Anthony Albanese has praised the Bendigo workforce for its contribution to global security. See why.

Australian Bushmasters have been described as “critical” to Ukraine’s defence of its territory, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told workers at the Bendigo factory.

The Prime Minister toured the Thales facility where the Bushmasters were manufactured on Friday afternoon and praised workers for the performance of the vehicles in battle.

Mr Albanese said more than 1000 bushmasters had been assembled at the location.

“They are playing a role around the world now,” he said.

“When I visited Kyiv and met with president Zelenski he requested additional bushmasters because he identified the provision of bushmasters as being critical to supporting the Ukrainian defence personnel who are defending their country against the illegal invasion.”

Australian Army Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles underwent a refit at the Thales workshop before being prepared for shipment from Australia to Ukraine.

Bushmasters at the Thales workshop before being supplied to the Ukraine.

Mr Albanese said his government had continued the previous government’s support for Ukraine.

“We have committed to providing 90 bushmasters to Ukraine and they are on the ground making a difference every single day to the defence of that nation,” he said.

“It is of course a struggle not just for the people of Ukraine but a struggle for the rule of law internationally and for the rights of sovereign nation states to continue to exist within secure boundaries.”

Mr Albanese said the support included “some cyber assistance” and training.

He said Australia’s ability to give assistance was made possible by the contributions of regional communities.

“Regional Australia is the driving force behind a resurgence of advanced manufacturing,” he said.