Tasmania has a unique opportunity to capitalise on the historic AUKUS submarine deal between Australia, the US and the UK.
The $368 billion deal sets Australia up for a decades-long industrial revolution, which will create more than 20,000 jobs and open up numerous opportunities across the nation.
For Tasmania’s advanced manufacturing sector and our economy, the potential benefits are exciting – and it is vital that we seize those opportunities and make the most of them.
Manufacturing is the state’s sixth largest industry, generating $1.9 billion a year and employing 17,000 people – and our maritime and defence manufacturing is well-established and globally competitive.
We already supply key components to the Navy’s existing Collins Class submarines, and there will be similar opportunities for the new nuclear-powered submarines that will be built in South Australia.
Not only would this allow Tasmania to grow our advanced manufacturing sector, it would also create much needed jobs many in regional Tasmania and the opportunity to further showcase our manufacturing capabilities to the world.
But to be a part of this, the Liberal government needs to put in the work to secure these jobs and opportunities.
Tasmanian Labor wants a future for our state where we can be a part of this deal, diversifying and strengthening our economy and providing Tasmanians with new job opportunities over the decades to come.
The government and Minister Ogilvie need to spell out what efforts have been made to give Tasmanians a piece of the AUKUS pie and make sure we don’t miss out on the economic benefits it could bring to the state.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Manufacturing
