The AMWU has welcomed the Government’s award of the AWD contract to local shipbuilder BAE Systems Australia in Williamstown.

AMWU National President, Julius Roe said that the important contract meant certainty for the ongoing operation of the Williamstown shipbuilding operations, with earlier rumours that they might be overlooked for tender.

Those fears have been put to rest with the announcement that BAE will carry out the construction of hull blocks for the Hobart Class AWD in Williamstown, Victoria along with FORGACS in Newcastle NSW and ASC in Osborne SA.

“This is a win for job opportunities and growth in the shipbuilding industry, with 450 direct jobs and many more indirect positions as a result of the contract.

Mr Roe said the AMWU welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to award a large defence contract such as this to the local supplier BAE, as it capitalises on the resources, innovation and capability of local Australian companies, rather than taking this important investment overseas.

“For large-scale government contracts in the future, we would encourage the Rudd Labor government to consider Australian suppliers first and foremost to guarantee jobs and boost the economy,” Mr Roe said.