The State Government will host a Summit to discuss the South Australian Government submission to the Defence White Paper on industry policy, which is due for submission at the end of this month.
A particular focus will be the effect of policy on the future of Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry. Key stakeholders are being invited from defence industry, unions, academia and local government, so that their contributions can be considered and included in the State Government’s submission.
The Summit will be opened by Premier Jay Weatherill and hosted by the Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith.
“The Summit will inform South Australia’s input into the Defence White Paper which will be one of our most important submissions to the Federal Government during this term of government,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
“At risk is $250 billion which is to be spent purchasing and sustaining naval ships and submarines over the next 30 years. A further $10 billion is to be spent acquiring combat vehicles for the army through a program called Land 400, with many billions more to be spent sustaining the capability.
“The Summit will be an opportunity to consult with all stakeholders as to how we can persuade the Federal Government to support strong industry capability and defence outcomes for the nation, and provide the best economic result for South Australia.”
Key issues to be discussed include:
- The successful completion of the Air Warfare Destroyer project.
- The Future Frigates project.
- And most importantly to build a further 12 submarines here in Adelaide.
- The building of land combat vehicles, a project called Land 400.
- Air capability projects like the 8-P8 Poseidon Boeing 737 to be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh and the purchase of up to 12 Triton aircraft.
- Future plans for the expanded Cultana Training Area and Woomera test range.
- Small business industry participation in defence contracts.
- Growth in defence science technology and capabilities, other universities, CRCs and organisations like DSTO and CSIRO.