Defence Minister Marise Payne hits the ground running

SHE’S only new to the job but already Defence Minister Marise Payne has issued a billion dollar contract and guaranteed hundreds of jobs.

Australia Defence Minister Marise Payne speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

NEW Defence Minister Marise Payne has hit the ground running, handing a new billion dollar contract to Thales in Bendigo to build more than 1000 light utility vehicles.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Senator Payne will be in Monegeetta in northwest Melbourne Monday morning to announce the deal which guarantees hundreds of jobs at the regional Victorian facility.

Labor member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said she was glad to finally have an announcement after years of uncertainty around the project.

“It will secure the jobs we have and may create new jobs depending on the construction timeline.”

Put to the test ... Since the end of 2012, six prototype vehicles, dubbed “Hawkei” have been subjected to rigorous testing. Picture: Supplied.

Thales employs more than 200 workers at its Bendigo factory.

Ms Chesters said it also will deliver certainty to more than 100 local businesses which are involved in the production process.

The contract for the Land 121 Phase 4 tender follows a successful trial with the ADF.

Since the end of 2012, six prototype vehicles, dubbed “Hawkei” and resembling a futuristic Humvee, have been subjected to rigorous testing.

Thales beat competition from the US-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program to secure the deal.

Former Defence Minister Kevin Andrews visited the facility in July and said “when we get the right decision we’ll be in a position to make an announcement.”

The new Protected Mobility Vehicle — Light vehicles will replace some of the current Land Rover fleet.

The contract is worth more than $1 billion, and means more than 1000 vehicles as well as trailers and other field vehicles and modules will be built in Bendigo.