16 May 2017

Naval Shipbuilding Plan recognises WA skills

WA Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds has welcomed the recognition of Western Australia’s capabilities in the first Naval Shipbuilding Plan. The plan recognises WA already has many of the skills available to support the government’s continuous build program and outlines its place as one of the nation’s two naval shipbuilding states.

Senator Reynolds said many WA companies already have programs in place to retrain workers from the resources sector in a wide range of specialisations required for the shipbuilding industry.

“There is also an opportunity for WA workers to support ship builds in South Australia, particularly in executive and management roles where shortages have been identified in this report,” she said.

“WA shipbuilders have always been export focused, balancing commercial work with defence and government contracts. That’s why we’re in such a strong and stable position to grow and support future naval vessel construction.”

“Earlier this year the Federal Government announced $100 million in new money for infrastructure at the Australian Marine Complex and HMAS Stirling Naval Base, and I look forward to continuing to work with the State Government and industry to deliver this important additional infrastructure at Henderson.

“Although this recognised and further cemented WA’s place as the nation’s second shipbuilding hub, funding of the second floating dock is needed for industry to take full advantage of future sustainment and maintenance opportunities.

“The former Liberal State Government had already put forward a business case for the estimated $300 million floating dock and it’s ready to go.”

Senator Reynolds said she also renewed her call for Defence to support a master planning process put forward by RDA Perth which would include HMAS Stirling, the Australian Complex along with Latitude 32 and enabling industrial infrastructure in Western Trade Coast region.

“It is very disappointing to hear the WA Defence Issues Minister, Paul Papalia talking down the announcement this morning,” she said.

“I understand his office has been offered a briefing by Minister Pyne’s office, but is yet to accept. This is unequivocally great news for WA, the State Minister must step up and stop his unproductive megaphone politicking at the Federal Government and work with us to deliver Australia’s second naval shipbuilding hub in Henderson. The only way this will be delivered is by State and Federal governments working together in the interest of all West Australians.”

Ends – Media Contact – Amy Blom 08 9368 6633 or 0431 685 372