The Albanese Government has secured more work for Australians to maintain and sustain vessels for the Navy through a $400 million contract with Navantia Australia.
The seven-year contract secures about 200 local jobs, primarily in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while underscoring the Government's commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises that are critical to Australia's defence industry and national security.
Under this contract, Navantia Australia has been appointed as the first multi-class Design Support Contractor, responsible for providing through-life engineering and design knowledge on the Navy's Canberra class helicopter landing docks and landing craft, the Supply class ships and Hobart class guided missile destroyers.
This contract will also see Navantia Australia engage with Australian small and medium businesses to deliver critical engineering work, ensuring work is spread across the domestic supply chain.
It is the first of several Design Support Contracts that Defence will establish for other Navy capabilities, providing greater efficiency and effectiveness in the engineering and design support provided across Australia's maritime fleet.
This agreement is part of the Albanese Government's record investment of up to $159 billion over the next decade in maritime capabilities that will deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:
"The Australian defence industry has grown under the Albanese Government and now employs more than 100,000 people. This contract is yet another example of our commitment to supporting them and the businesses that employ them.
"Through this contract, we have secured 200 jobs and are supporting our sovereign defence industry which is delivering critical engineering work for our Navy and helping to keep Australia safe.
"The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring more work on our naval vessels is done locally, supporting more work for Australian small and medium businesses and jobs for Australians."
