An Albanese Labor Government will create more jobs for West Australians and build a better future for Perth’s public transport by partnering with the McGowan Labor Government to deliver a local electric bus manufacturing facility and more than 130 new, locally manufactured electric buses.
Our $250 million combined investment will also ensure that depots are future ready, providing essential upgrades and delivering charging infrastructure at key depots.
The first round of locally manufactured buses will be used in the Perth CBD, with the remainder of the buses to service the Perth metropolitan region.
Today’s announcement means that the next generation of Perth’s public transport will be built by local workers. Over 100 new jobs will be created by this initiative, with over 300 existing workers transitioning to jobs in cleaner technology.
Labor’s commitment recognises WA’s strong local manufacturing industry and position as a global leader in battery material and is part of our future made in Australia plan.
Electric buses will also make a significant contribution as Western Australia progresses to net zero emissions.
Australia must be a country that makes things.
An Albanese Labor Government will rebuild our proud manufacturing industry. We’ll create jobs, boost vital skills by investing in education and training, bring industry expertise back onshore and supercharge national productivity.
Quotes attributable to Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party:
“Skilled Australian workers are missing out on job opportunities because Scott Morrison has sent manufacturing offshore.
“Offshoring manufacturing leads to fewer local jobs and less reliable supply chains for Australians.
“That’s why Labor will build buses right here in Perth, creating a new generation of secure local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia:
“This investment is a big win for WA jobs, building on my Government’s work to bring train manufacturing back to Western Australia.
“Our State has the skills, capability and local businesses here to deliver quality, state-of-the-art buses – built by Western Australians, for Western Australians.
“My Government will work together with an Albanese Labor Government to deliver this landmark project, creating more secure manufacturing jobs for Western Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Regional Development:
“Australian trains and Australian buses should be made by Australian workers.
“Only an Albanese Labor Government will work with the States to ensure that the full benefit of our infrastructure investments are felt by Australian workers.”
Quotes attributable to Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Transport:
“Western Australian workers are already building the new METRONET trains and now they will be building our new electric buses.
“This will create secure local jobs for workers and will ensure that Western Australia maintains essential manufacturing skills”.
