PM announces $282m package for defence

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Image credit: Austal ASX release

Prime Minister Turnbull has announced a $282 million package for shipbuilder Austal to build the country’s pacific patrol boats.

Image credit: Austal ASX release

“The $282 million contract was signed on May 5 with Austal for its shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, to replace the existing Pacific Patrol Boat fleet and is part of Australia’s new Pacific Maritime Security Program,” Mr Turnbull said.

“The contract to build and sustain 19 steel-hulled vessels will create over 120 jobs and secure Henderson as core to the re-elected Turnbull Coalition’s plan for jobs and growth.”

Visiting Western Australia on Monday, the Prime Minister said a re-elected Liberal Government will use Australian steel to build the first fleet of naval vessels commissioned in Australia since 2007.

“Austal will use Australian high-tensile steel to build the Pacific Patrol Boats – reinforcing our commitment to Australian built ships, by Australian workers and with Australian steel,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to maximising Australian industry across this project and all of our naval shipbuilding projects.”