CCIWA Supports WA Businesses in defence exposure

14th October, 2017

With news that a Senate inquiry was recently informed that defence department chief Kym Gillis told the three international shortlisted bidders (Britain's BAE Systems, Italy's Fincatieri and Spanish company Navantia) that they do not need to work with local Australian companies on the $35b Frigate contract, I am so very pleased to hear that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA ("CCIWA") has taken up the challenge and continues to support our businesses, particularly with defence exposure.

At the recent Sydney 2017 International Maritime conference and exhibition, it brought together the defence industry, Ministers, Department of Defence representatives and other associated defence players throughout the world, and on behalf of a grateful Western Australian defence industry, a huge thank you needs to be said to both the CCIWA, and its Chief Executive Deidre Willmott ("Wilmott").

Wilmott reported that WA businesses at the conference included Austal, Civmec/Forgacs, L3 Oceania, Curtin University, ASC Shipbuilding, AMC Common User Facility, Kaefer, NSM, Hofmann, IKAD, R. Moore & Sons, Nauti-Craft, VEEM and Future Engineering.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne also awarded Dunsborough's Nauti-Craft the Civil SME Innovation Grant, for its innovative passive suspension system for high-speed craft such as naval and police boarding parties, which improves ride comfort, handling and occupational health and safety for crew and passengers. Congratulations Nauti-Craft and well done on your achievement.

Our Australian shipbuilding industry is world class, industry leading and in the case of Western Australia's very own shipbuilder Austal, who is apparently good enough to design and manufacture ships for the US Military and others, however and based on this news is now not good enough for our own Australian Government.

So in reference to the comments by Kym Gillis, it's time we take charge of our defence industry as this is Australian money first and foremost, and at the very least, Australian companies, industry, goods, services and Australian jobs must be the priority in any perspective Federal, State or local government project and/ or tender.

It's time to put Australia, and all Australians first and to ensure that we have bipartisan support by our politicians and across all levels of government to ensure Australia is able to defend itself should the situation ever arise.

Philip Couper