The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to backing our competitive strengths to create jobs and grow the economy.
“We want to see Tasmania secure a larger share of national defence spending, to support economic growth and create jobs across our state,” Premier Will Hodgman said.
“Over recent months we have been supporting local industry in its bid for the Australian Government’s tender to replace and maintain up to 21 Pacific Class patrol boats.
“The submission last week of the Tasmanian team, known as TasPac, represents a significant milestone in this process.
“There is huge potential for Tasmanian industry, with work to replace the boats estimated to be worth several hundreds of millions of dollars and ongoing maintenance worth over a billion dollars.
“A successful Tasmanian bid would generate state-wide economic growth, from INCAT in the state’s south to Haywards in the North and William Adams Caterpillar in the North West.”
The Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom said the Government had been working closely to support the Tasmanian bid.
“Through the Department of State Growth we have worked collaboratively with local firms to facilitate the tender application,” Mr Groom said.
“We have also ensured our counterparts in Canberra are well aware of Tasmania’s strength in the advanced manufacturing and marine engineering sectors.
“Tasmania has tremendous capability in naval shipbuilding and repair services that suit a project such as the Pacific Patrol Boats.
“The Tasmanian tender, led by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Australia and UGL, has united some of the greats in our manufacturing industry and we will continue to strongly support this bid.”
Will Hodgman, Premier Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
