Minister for Defence Materiel - Benalla factory manufacturing announcement a boost for local capability

Minister for Defence Materiel Dan Tehan said today the announcement the Benalla munitions facility would make mining boosters demonstrated the commercial applications of Defence investment.

Orica CEO Alberto Calderon and Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins today announced a commercial arrangement to manufacture mining boosters at the Defence-owned Benalla facility, in northern Victoria.

The contract will sustain 100 jobs across Benalla and the Mulwala facility, in New South Wales.

Defence recently acquired the Benalla facility, at the end of a long-term lease arrangement with Thales, that will utilise manufactured high explosive from the government-owned explosive and propellant factory at Mulwala.

Thales is contracted to operate both factories and encouraged to pursue commercial opportunities.

Mr Tehan said the Benalla and Mulwala factories would supply the ADF with top-class munitions and explosives and create commercial opportunities in Australia and overseas.

“I was impressed by the dedication of the highly-skilled workforce at the facility during a recent visit to Benalla with Liberal candidate for Indi Sophie Mirabella,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Turnbull Government through its Defence White Paper is supporting local defence capability to make Australia safer, create jobs and drive innovation.

“Government investment in Defence capability will increase to about $195 billion over the next 10 years, including a $1.6 billion investment to provide advanced home-grown Defence capabilities.“

Media contact:

Byron Vale (Minister Tehan’s Office) 0428 262 894