A re-elected Labor government will help shipbuilders cross the looming “valley of death”, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has promised workers at Williamstown’s naval shipyard.
During a visit to BAE Systems today, Mr Rudd told workers the government would bring forward construction of two naval supply vessels to 2015-16.
He said this would ensure the survival of the industry by filling a gap in the construction schedule known as the “valley of death”.
Currently, there is no work after the air warfare destroyer and landing helicopter dock projects finish in 2015-16.
“We have here assembled in this mighty facility today a vast aggregation of Australian talent,” Mr Rudd told gathered workers.
“You don’t learn to build a naval ship overnight. You don’t learn the set of core engineering skills on a weekend course. These are crafted and honed over a long period of time and represents the excellence of your skills, your craft, your trade and your profession and I’m proud of what you bring to bear in this important industry for Australia.
“We understand that if we lose the skills of this industry it’ll be incredibly difficult to get them back, risking the industry’s long-term survival.
“Not to mention there are 1100-plus, up to 1400 jobs, associated directly with Williamstown.
“By bringing forward the construction … we intend to provide future continuity for you and the Australian naval shipbuilding industry.
“The valley of death will be crossed and crossed well.’’
The government will direct the defence department to downselect no more than two options and conduct accelerated limited competition, consideration and approval processes.
Mr Rudd said acquisition of the $1.5 billion ships was already funded under the defence capability plan.
