WASHINGTON: The assurances come as WA steps up its campaign to land a share of the Government’s $50 billion next generation submarine program, with some of the world’s biggest defence companies heading to Perth for talks with local shipbuilders The OPV contract to build up to 20 vessels will likely be worth about $5 billion.
WA Liberals made clear their disappointment on after Tony Abbott confirmed the bulk of the Government’s $40 billion future frigate program would be gifted to South Australia without going to tender. Liberal Dennis Jensen said that defence should not be a sheltered workshop” for ailing industry.
It may well be the case that SA is the only place they can do this but open it up to tender, he said. In an opinion piece for The West Australian today, Defence Minister Kevin Andrews indicates WA shipbuilder Austal is a strong contender to build the next generation of the Royal Australian Navy’s offshore patrol vessels or corvettes.
