INVESTMENTS TO SHOWCASE TASMANIA TO THE WORLD

JEREMY ROCKLIFF MP, Premier and Minister for Trade

The Rockliff Liberal Government will invest $5 million, in partnership with Elphinstone to deliver a new $25 million, world-class facility that will allow Elphinstone to diversify its export operations and provide more opportunities for global defence contracts.

Premier and Minister for Trade, Jeremy Rockliff said Tasmania’s goods export sector is booming and this investment in the 2023-24 Budget will allow this important sector to continue to grow.

“Tasmanian exports and products are already highly sought after throughout the world, and this Budget continues our strong investments that are allowing local businesses to showcase their products to the world,” the Premier said.

“Elphinstone have already successfully delivered state of the art buses for our Metro fleet, and are now turning their effort to convert that capability and workforce to deliver superior quality defence vehicles.

“The new facility will allow Elphinstone to vie for projects such as the Land 400 Phase 3 project, which if successful will be a boon for jobs and investment on the North West coast – not just for Elphinstone, but also for numerous other local businesses through the supply chain.

“It’s another important step in opening up even more business opportunities for our world-class defence industries, that has enormous potential to grow and expand further, to the benefit of Tasmanian jobs and our economy.”

Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Madeleine Ogilvie, said our investment will ensure the sector can continue to grow in strength and reputation.

“Our $5 million investment to Elphinstone will support their building expansion for the LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires project,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“Should Elphinstone be successful in the multi-billion-dollar LAND 400 project, they will be teaming up with Hanwha Australia to deliver one of Australia’s largest land domain projects.

“We know Tasmania’s manufacturers have a global reputation for innovation, design and excellence, and the manufacturing sector is one of the largest private sector contributors to gross state product.

“Tasmania is ready to play our part in building the future of Australia’s national defence and we want our local companies to be able to be competitive and showcase their innovation and craftsmanship”. Minister Ogilvie said.

The Budget will also invest funding over two years to support the Accelerating Trade Program, to help more local businesses increase their trade.

“This important initiative will allow Tasmanian businesses support to secure trade opportunities and participate in national and global trade events, missions and activities,” the Premier said.

“Expanding our international influence through developing our trade relations is a key priority under the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2025, and this will ensure Tasmanian businesses are in the best place possible to showcase their capabilities, while opening doors to international buyers, distributors, and trading partners.”