Palaszczuk Government backs bid for LAND 400 contract

The Palaszczuk Government will today launch a new campaign to support Rheinmetall’s bid for the estimated $15 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 project.

LAND 400 Phase 3 will see the delivery of 383 infantry fighting vehicles and 17 manoeuvre support vehicles for the Australian Army.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government was 100 per cent behind Rheinmetall’s bid for LAND 400 Phase 3, which is based on its Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

“The Department of Defence has stated they will shortlist in the next six months,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Our government’s goal is to make sure Queensland and Rheinmetall is on the shortlist.

“Queensland won the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 defence project by securing Rheinmetall.

“Should Rheinmetall’s Lynx be successful in the LAND 400 Phase 3 tender, Rheinmetall will manufacture the vehicles at the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Ipswich.

“I am calling on all Queenslanders to get behind this bid.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said securing the LAND 400 Phase 2 contract will generate more than 450 Queensland jobs at the MILVEHCOE.

“The MILVEHCOE’s workforce and the critical mass of expertise will already be in place from Phase 2, so a win in Phase 3 will guarantee a continuation of work into the long-term,” Mr Dick said.

“Rheinmetall expects the MILVEHCOE and its impact across Queensland’s supply chain will contribute more than $1 billion to Queensland’s economy.

“Momentum is definitely increasing in Queensland’s defence industries, with more than 6500 people currently employed and $9.55 billion in Australian defence contracts secured in 2017-18, which is more than double the value of contracts awarded in the previous year.

“Meanwhile, Queensland’s defence industry capabilities are well and truly on the national and international radar, guided by our Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which is maximising all potential opportunities for local defence expansion.”

Learn more about the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland defence industries roadmap.

ENDS

Media contact:

Premier's office - Shane Doherty 0439 624 473

Minister Dick's office - Ben Doyle 0400 775 561