THE state government has renewed its campaign for Victoria to win a major defence contract that would create 15 to 20 new jobs in Ararat.
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The federal government is evaluating bids for the $5 billion phase 2 of the Land 400 program to supply new armoured vehicles to the Australian Defence Force.
Victoria-based bidder BAE Systems Australia intends, if its AMV35 vehicle is selected, to contract Ararat manufacturer AME Systems to provide up to $30 million in electrical wiring.
Victoria’s federal MPs have also reportedly contacted Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne in support of the state’s bid versus Queensland’s Rheinmetall.
State Acting Minister for Trade and Investment Ben Carroll said Victoria had “the skills and proven track record” for the project.
AME Systems managing director Nick Carthew welcomed the support.
“The push from the federal level as well to move Australia into defence and aerospace exports is a very smart move,” he said.
“There’s somewhere between $20 and $30 million worth of business in the electrical sector that’s up for grabs for this particular project. For us, we’re estimating between 15 to 20 new jobs.”
Mr Carthew said Victoria had the skills, workforce and technology to be “perfectly aligned” for Land 400,
The federal government is due to announce the Land 400 contract winner in about three months.
Mr Carthew said the next step Land 400 could deliver another 15-20 new jobs on top of gains from the current phase.
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