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The Hon Kevin Andrews MP
Minister for Defence
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18 February 2015
Today I attended the handover of 29 All Terrain Vehicles for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at Polaris Industries in Melbourne.
The first priority of Government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and the Government acknowledges Polaris Industries contribution to this through the development of home grown industry expertise.
Since being appointed Defence Minister, I have seen first-hand the success of defence industry in Australia. The Government wants to see a sustainable defence industry in Australia and is determined to do all that it can to that end.
The delivery of these 29 vehicles represents an enduring and strong relationship that has been developed between the ADF and Polaris Industries since 2005, bringing the total number of vehicles to 288.
The All Terrain Vehicles are primarily used for providing small-scale tactical mobility, including transport of personnel, stores and provision of organic fire-support over difficult terrain.
The vehicles are highly successful due to their high degree of mobility in difficult terrain and their ability to be inserted and extracted by ADF land, air and sea assets.
The maintenance of an effective All Terrain Vehicle capability is essential in enabling Australian ground force elements to meet their operational objectives.
Polaris Industries initially operated in Ballarat from 2004 as a distributor before moving to its current facility in Derrimut, Melbourne in 2012, with a workforce of around 55 people.
Delivering the required capability for the future requires a strong partnership between Government and industry, which provides the essential support for innovation, capability acquisition and sustainment.
The dedication and professionalism of the Polaris Industries workforce has ensured that ADF personnel are operating equipment of the highest standard and capability.
Media contacts:
Brad Rowswell (Minister Andrews' Office) 0417 917 796
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999