The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has called on the Prime Minister to honour his pre-election promise, and join Labor’s bipartisan approach to the future submarine project.
The union welcomes reports that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will announce today that Labor is willing to join a bi-partisan approach to the future submarines, on the conditions that it goes to an open tender and that the tender had the clause “build, maintain and sustain in Australia.”
“It’s now time for the Tony Abbott to come to the table and allow for a completely transparent process,” said AMWU National Secretary Paul Bastian.
“We want to see Labor and the Coalition working together to maintain sovereign capability, with a submarine that meets our country’s specific needs and gets the best value for tax payers dollars over the life of the submarines.
“The Prime Minister needs to honour his Government’s pre-election commitment that the next fleet of submarines will be built here in Adelaide.
“We welcome the commitment for a bi-partisan approach, because it’s in everyone’s interest to see our sovereign capability maintained, and to see a strong defence industry in Australia.
“We’re tired of playing politics with defence jobs and so are the people of South Australia.” ENDS
Media Doorstop:
Union leaders and workers from ASC will be available for comment 12noon | ASC North (Submarines), Mersey Rd Osborne