The Albanese Government is continuing to support local jobs in Bendigo with a $45 million contract to build an additional 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.
Thales Australia will build the Bushmaster vehicles in Bendigo, supporting hundreds of jobs in the local economy and many more jobs across the supply chain in Victoria.
This contact will continue Bendigo's more than 20-year history of producing these iconic vehicles that have seen service around the world.
The additional 15 Bushmasters will facilitate command and control of Army's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) long-range fires regiment. This supports the Albanese Government's $1.6 billion investment to accelerate the delivery of the first land-based long range fires capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), ensuring the ADF is equipped to deter potential threats and keep Australia safe.
Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has invested over $200 million in Bendigo for an additional 93 locally made Bushmasters.
The iconic Bushmaster is currently in use in nine countries and is world renowned for its high level of protection and mobility for troops. In particular, it has seen commendable service in Ukraine through medical evacuation, command and control, and fire support roles as part of Ukraine's efforts against Russia's unilateral, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"I am delighted to be back in Bendigo to announce a further $45 million investment in the region, with the production of an additional 15 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.
"This additional investment in Bendigo is another example of the Albanese Government's commitment to a future made in Australia.
"Protected vehicles such as the Bushmaster are part of the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities in the Albanese Government's Defence Industry Development Strategy, and this announcement shows we are supporting the Australian defence industry to deliver our priorities."
