Minister visits Defence industry close to home

For the first time since becoming Minister for Defence Materiel, local MP Jason Clare today visited Defence contractors in the Bankstown area.

Mr Clare visited Qantas Defence Services in Villawood and Thomas Electronics in Milperra.

“The Defence industry is a very important industry in Bankstown,” Mr Clare said.

“I didn’t realise until I became Minister for Defence Materiel how many companies work with Defence in our local area.

“They create a lot of jobs and are very important to our national security.

“There are around 25 companies in the Bankstown area which have contracts with Defence.”

During his visits Mr Clare met with Glen Steed, Head of Qantas Defence Services and William Hutchinson, Managing Director of Thomas Electronics.

“The Qantas Defence Services – Propulsion Systems Business Unit has been located in Villawood NSW for seven years and for many years before that at nearby Bankstown,” Mr Steed said.

“Our 35 highly trained staff, most living in the local community, have delivered all facets of deeper turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul including logistics management and design engineering.”

“As Minister for Defence Materiel, my job is to make sure our soldiers, sailors and aircrew are well-equipped and supported,” Mr Clare said.

“The companies in our local area are producing Defence equipment which is at the cutting edge.

The Government has developed a range of programs to support Australia’s Defence Industry that will provide about $445 million in assistance programs for the Defence industry over the next decade.

“The Government is committed to supporting Australia’s Defence industry,” Mr Clare said.

“Currently, the Defence industry supports 29,000 jobs across the country. That’s going to grow to about 34,000 over the coming years.”

The following companies in the Bankstown area are associated with the Defence industry:

Media contact: Korena Flanagan – 9790 2466