COMPANIES throughout the Barker electorate will be able to access more opportunities through the defence export market due to a new export strategy.
The landmark document – which is expected to help unlock more jobs and investment in Australia’s defence sector – sets out the policy to make Australia one of the top ten global defence exporters within the next decade.
Bringing together all of the levers available to government and industry to provide end-to-end support for defence exports, from building readiness to identifying export opportunities and ultimately realising export outcomes, Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the government wanted to do more to support Australian companies.
“When most people think of defence industries in South Australia they think of Adelaide, but there are many opportunities to be unlocked in our regions,” he said.
“As we transition from traditional manufacturing, doors are opening to be part of the advanced manufacturing and engineering industries.
“There are many opportunities here in Barker to be part of this either directly or indirectly.”
Mr Pasin said the strategy will complement the Federal Government’s record $200b investment in Australian Defence Force capability, and continue Australia’s record performance in job creation.
“Exports will unlock the full potential of the Australian defence industry to grow, innovate and support defence’s future needs,” he said.
“This will provide our defence industry with greater certainty of future investment and support jobs for Australians for generations to come.”
The strategy includes several new initiatives and investments, including a new Australian defence export office and advocate and a $3.8b export facility administered by export credit agency Efic.
The government has also committed $20m per annum to implement the strategy and support exports.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin will host a manufacturing and engineering forum on February 22 in Mount Gambier for South East companies in conjunction with Regional Development Limestone Coast and Aus Industry.
The event will bring experts to the Blue Lake to work with Limestone Coast businesses in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
Topics such as the future of advanced manufacturing and engineering, the fourth industrial revolution and defence market opportunities will be covered.
The free forum will take place at Commodore on the Park from 9am.
