A Williamstown naval shipbuilder has declined to say if jobs will be slashed this month but says it remains in negotiations with the federal government.
BAE Systems spokeswoman Kaye Noske says the company is confident the government has “a clear understanding of the gap facing the industry”.
A Facebook campaign started by Labor, dubbed Save Williamstown Shipyards, is aiming to collect 1000 signatures.
According to campaign organisers, unless the Abbott government delivers new defence contracts for the shipyard in coming weeks, BAE will close and more than 1000 jobs will be lost.
The petition states: “Williamstown needs its maritime industry, not empty land ripe for more high-rise residential development.” To date, 558 people have signed.
Ms Noske said: “We are continuing our dialogue with the government regarding the urgent need for shipbuilding projects in Williamstown in order to maintain capability and productivity for future programs like Future Frigate and Future Submarines.
“We are confident they are assessing the possibility of bringing projects forward where there may be real benefit in doing so, as has been recently stated publicly by the Defence Minister [David Johnston].”
Senator Johnston has said the government is committed to supporting the local defence industry.
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said naval shipbuilding was a high-tech industry “filled with jobs of the future”.
But he said it would not survive if new defence contracts were not awarded soon.
“We are counting the days before BAE makes a decision about its future in Williamstown. The Abbott government is gambling with the job security of these workers by remaining silent.”
