The South Australian Government and industry delegates will ramp up efforts to secure the Future Submarine contract and protect local jobs by lobbying bidders in Europe this week.

Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith will visit Future Submarine bidders DCNS in France and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Germany along with likely contenders for Future Frigate work BAE Systems and Babcock in the United Kingdom. The delegation will also meet with Odense Maritime Technology, SAAB Systems and Fincantieri.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said South Australia’s naval shipbuilding capabilities will be the focus at meetings with global defence giants.

“It is important that Future Submarine bidders thoroughly understand South Australia’s capacity and commitment to deliver submarines in South Australia.

“The South Australian Government has created a world-class facility at Techport Australia and we are determined to see Australia’s future submarines built here.

“We have huge credentials as a centre for excellence in naval shipbuilding, underpinned by our highly skilled workers.”

“The South Australian Government is determined to protect and grow the number of defence industry jobs for decades to come.

Mr Hamilton-Smith will also be speaking at a defence lunch forum and addressing 200 industry leaders at the SA Club’s Annual Dinner in London.

Accompanying the Minister to France, the United Kingdom and Germany will be Defence SA’s Chief Executive Malcolm Jackman and Director Maritime Andrew Jackman as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Teaming Centre, Chris Burns.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said the collaborative working relationship between the defence industry and government in South Australia will be highlighted.

“Our defence industry is determined to ensure South Australia retains and builds our local naval shipbuilding industry – we all have skin in the game and our interests are aligned when it comes to fighting for jobs and investment in this State.

“While I welcome the Commonwealth’s commitment to a continuous in-country naval shipbuilding program, urgent action is needed.

“Progress on the Future Frigate program, to replace the current ANZAC fleet, continues to drag on. Decisions must be made now.

“$250B will be spent on naval shipbuilding and sustainment over the next 30 years.

“120,000 man years of jobs depend on the Future Submarine program alone.

“The South Australian Government is working hard to ensure these jobs are created in Australia and South Australia,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.