Joint media release
The Morrison Government’s updated Defence Strategy and ongoing commitment to maximising Australian industry involvement in Defence capability projects will create new jobs and investment in New South Wales over the coming decade and beyond.
As detailed in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan released by Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC today, the Government will invest a record $270 billion in Defence capability and infrastructure over the next decade across Australia.
Through this Plan, there will be a $10 billion investment over the coming decade into the refresh and redevelopment of Defence facilities in New South Wales including:
Local industry involvement in the delivery of these projects will be maximised through this Government’s Local Industry Capability Plan initiative. This ensures that local suppliers, contractors and tradies have the opportunity to secure more of this work, creating more jobs for local communities in New South Wales.
This investment comes on top of the Government’s significant investment in building and sustaining Australian Defence Force capability in New South Wales.
Over the 12 months to March 2020, Defence has invested around $5.3 billion in New South Wales. Examples of key programs and activities in New South Wales include:
In addition to being the homeport for around half of Navy’s surface combatant fleet, New South Wales will also play an important role supporting investment in new cyber technologies, communications and ICT facilities, and enhancement of intelligence capability.
Today, New South Wales is also home to over 30,300 Defence personnel, including ADF permanent and reserve members and Australian Public Service employees. This number is forecasted to grow in the coming years. Combined with the planned future deliveries of platforms such as the Joint Strike Fighter and a more advanced naval force, the Government’s plans will deliver substantial benefits to New South Wales.
The policies and investment in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan will make the ADF more capable for the wide range of scenarios Australia will face in the future, more agile to rapid changes, and more potent if a situation should call for it.
What is more, much of this investment in Australia’s defence capabilities will go directly to Australian industry, creating jobs and skills. This Government’s investment in defence capability is already benefitting around 15,000 Australian businesses, who support around 70,000 Australian workers. These numbers are set to increase in line with these new opportunities for Australian industry.
This is a comprehensive plan to further build the resilience, agility and capability of the ADF, and create a more secure and safe Australia. The people of New South Wales can have confidence that this Government will ensure that we can defend our nation and protect our interests today and into the future.
Nicky Hamer (Minister Reynolds’ Office): +61 437 989 927
Kathy Quinn (Minister Price’s Office): +61 468 369 301
Defence Media: media [at] defence.gov.au
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