Premier discusses Queensland jobs potential on Defence with Ambassador

The Palaszczuk Government’s partnership with Düsseldorf-based Rheinmettall to secure a Federal Defence contract and establish its Australasian headquarters, creating at least 450 full-time equivalent Queensland jobs, was a focus of the Premier’s meeting with the German Ambassador today.

Meeting with Germany’s Ambassador to Australia Dr Anna Prinz on the Gold Coast, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Rheinmetall Defence Australia will establish its Australia-New Zealand headquarters and a manufacturing and vehicle maintenance facility in South East Queensland if it wins the upcoming LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to supply Australia’s new armoured vehicles.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Ambassador Prinz and discuss the partnership my Government has forged with Rheinmettall to secure a Federal Government Defence contract,” the Premier said.

“The partnership is a vote of confidence in Queensland.”

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has selected Queensland as its preferred location to build a military vehicle centre of excellence (MILVEHCOE) if it wins the contract to deliver 225 combat reconnaissance vehicles for the Australian Army.  

Around 100 of these vehicles are expected to be located at the Townsville and Enoggera bases.

Defence industries employ approximately 6500 Queenslanders across the state from Cairns to the Gold Coast, and generates more than $4.2 billion in annual revenue.

Under the LAND 400 Phase 2 contract, Rheinmetall would need to have its facility completed by mid-2020 to supply the first Boxer CRV by 2022.

Rheinmetall is one of two companies vying for the Department of Defence’s Land 400 Phase 2 contract, which is expected to be announced in the first quarter of next year.

Attached is a picture of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Treasuer and Minister for Trade and Investment Curtis Pitt meet with Germany’s Ambassador to Australia Dr Anna Prinz at the Gold Coast.

Media contacts:

Premier’s office Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875