MEDIA RELEASE: Premier Mike Rann
Monday 1st March 2010
Premier Mike Rann says that a significant proportion of the 100,000 extra jobs the Government is aiming for will be in defence industries – including more than 3000 for the Air Warfare Destroyer project alone.
In releasing Labor’s Defence Policy paper today, Premier Mike Rann unveiled the first sight of the first Air Warfare Destroyer being built at the ASC facility within the Techport precinct at Osborne.
“The AWD project has already created about 800 direct jobs in South Australia as a result of contracts being let to SA companies.
“This will escalate over the coming years as the project builds momentum. But we need other projects to create more jobs.
“That’s why this Government intends going after more defence projects – to keep the jobs coming, to keep the momentum going and to transform our defence sector into a thriving industry.
“This Government is still aiming to secure many more projects including:
• The next generation submarine design centre that will bring 600 to 700 high-end professional jobs
• All or a big slice of the armored army vehicle contract, worth $1.5 billion that will generate hundreds of jobs
• The future frigates project, worth billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.
“To encourage more people into a career in defence, a re-elected Labor Government will invest $1.3 million over the next four years in 75 annual defence scholarships for South Australians.
“Later this year, applications will be sought for undergraduate students considering a career in the defence sector to undertake full-time defence-related Honors study at a South Australian-based university.
“Beginning next January, successful applicants will each receive $5000 per 12-month honors course.
Printed and authorised by M Brown, 141 Gilles St, Adelaide SA 5001.
“In addition, a re-elected Labor Government intends to work closely with Le Fevre High School to establish South Australia’s first ‘
“The new Naval High School will be a ‘flagship’ for specialist studies and industry pathway programs relevant to careers in the maritime and defence industries.
“The mentoring program will also enable students and teachers to gain first hand industry and work experience in maritime industries, supported by the existing Premiers Industry Awards program.
“We will grant $300,000 to Le Fevre High school to purchase cutting edge technology and $240 000 to support professional development for teachers.
Mr Rann says Labor’s defence policy to squarely targets young people by encouraging them to seize the job opportunities that are being rolled out now and long into the future in our defence industry.
“This State will need a huge workforce to help build the estimated $30 billion worth of next generation submarines.
“Decades of work lie ahead.
“I believe South Australia should easily exceed its target outlined in SA’s Strategic Plan to increase the number of jobs in defence from 16 000 to 28 000 by 2014.
“This Government aims to give young people better opportunities to not only get jobs, but build long term and meaningful careers in huge variety of areas – from engineering in a range of disciplines (mechanical to telecommunications), high-tech electronics and computer systems to the trade necessary to build a ship.
“The Government will also introduce a discrete
“According to SA’s own defence experts, over the next 20 years, the Royal Australian Navy will require 48 new vessels that, with through-life support and maintenance, is likely to cost in real terms about $250 billion according to our Defence SA Advisory Board.
“While this State cannot support all of these building projects on its own – this Government intends going after as much as we can to build defence into a long-term, continuous, stable and sustainable industry,” Mr Rann said.
Naval High School’ to build on the school’s strong links with the maritime and defence industry. Maritime Mentors from the naval, defence and maritime industries will be established to work with the school to provide first hand knowledge and experience of careers in relevant industries. Minister for Defence Industry portfolio to signal to Governments in Australia and around the world that this State places great importance in our defence industry.
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