The Department of Defence has announced a package to boost the industries that support it and create thousands of jobs across the country.
Directed towards nationwide projects and jobs for Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists who have lost their civilian income, the package also offers an increase in employment opportunities for current and former ADF personnel and their families.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said the package was estimated to support around 4,000 jobs and help many small and medium sized businesses in the Defence-industry supply chain.
“Like much of the economy, our local Defence industry is doing it tough because of COVID-19,” Mr Morrison said.
“This is especially so for small and medium sized businesses that are critical to jobs.
“Supporting our Defence industry is all part of our JobMaker plan, especially high-paying, high-skilled jobs that ensure we are supporting a robust, resilient and internationally competitive Defence industry.
Mr Morrison said there was a need to build sovereign industrial capabilities to keep people safe.
“We will also support our ADF members and families, particularly any Reservists who are doing it tough because of COVID-19,” he said.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds said supporting the Defence industry was crucial to the economy’s recovery.
“Already we’ve fast-tracked a range of capability, infrastructure, skilling and workforce initiatives over the next two years,” Senator Reynolds said.
“This includes rolling out a number of Defence estate works tenders as part of Defence’s economic stimulus initiative package that will run over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years.”
