Will Hodgman,Premier & Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries
Tasmania’s largest ever defence services and manufacturing contingent has taken to the frontline at the Pacific 2019 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney this week.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to growing our defence supply industries and opening new markets for our local businesses to create more jobs and investment.
During the three-day event, 11 Tasmanian advanced manufacturing, design, and technology companies, along with the University of Tasmania and the University’s Australian Maritime College, will showcase their capabilities, products and services to more than 40 navies, 80 international delegations, 546 companies and almost 17,000 visitors from around the world.
As part of Pacific 2019, Tasmanian manufacturing firm PFG Group will unveil its new advanced Aquatruck patrol vessel, which is already receiving interest from military, policing, border protection, and public safety authorities due to its durability and reliability.
Pivot Maritime International, based in Northern Tasmania, has been generating considerable interest in their high-tech ship simulator systems including from both the US and New Zealand who are currently evaluating the technology.
North-West manufacturer, Direct Edge, was recently chosen to supply products to major defence contractor Rheinmetall as part of a major Army combat reconnaissance project.
CBS Systems, based in Derwent Park, was recently awarded a $1 million Australian Government grant to further develop its fire protection systems and high performance Moonraker antenna systems, which are already in use across navies and shipyards in Germany, the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Denmark.
Pacific 2019 is the only international exhibition of its kind in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and our presence this year rivals that of other states and territories.
Advanced manufacturing and defence industries are key economic drivers for our state, which directly employ 18,500 Tasmanians and my Government is firmly committed to maintaining this growth.
