The AMWU welcomed reports on Thursday this week that the Australian Government is moving to fast-track the design tender for Australia’s next generation of submarines.
 
AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said it was a major opportunity for the government to award the contract locally and create a once in a generation opportunity for Australia.
 
“If the contract is awarded locally it will provide apprenticeships and deliver a world class industry that will last for decades.
 
“There is every reason to choose a local tender to build these subs: hundreds of direct jobs, thousands more flow on jobs, training for young people, skills development for other industries, and of course defence capacity for Australia.”
 
The AMWU is campaigning to ensure the federal government uses a full cost benefit analysis for all government tenders which takes into account the overall benefits to the community - such as to employment and skills development - instead of a narrow focus on the cheapest price.