Government News

The Albanese Government has taken another step towards rapidly establishing domestic manufacturing of missiles and munitions at scale under a plan that bolsters Australia’s defence capabilities while creating hundreds of jobs. The government has announced that Thales has been selected as the preferred tenderer to build a new domestic forging capability for 155mm M795 artillery ammunition. Australia, the United States, and other international partners use the 155mm M795 artillery ammunition for the M777A2 Light Towed Howitzer, which is critical for close-fire capability. Defence will work with Thales, the preferred company, to build, establish, and commission the forge at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla Munitions Facility. This project is expected to support at least 550 jobs. The forge will produce 15,000 rounds each year by 2028, with the capacity to produce up to 100,000 for global consumption. It will also be the first dedicated forge outside of the United States to manufacture 155mm M795 artillery ammunition. “Today’s announcement is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to developing a more capable military force while also supporting a future made in Australia,” said the Deputy Prime…

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing more than $60m over five years to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle. Both the Albanese Government and Minns Labor Governments are investing $28.1m, with a further $5.27m in federal funding to support the centre. This will accelerate the development of a Higher Apprenticeship model focused on the advanced skills required for net zero manufacturing. The upgraded Centre will play a pivotal role in building up new skills for workers across the Hunter, investing in their future. “The Hunter region is a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing,” said Premier of NSW, Chris Minns. “We are proud to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver this training centre, so the local community and industry have the skills needed to benefit from the energy transition. “We are getting on with the job of delivering three TAFE Centres of Excellence in NSW, a key part of our commitment to provide fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships a year in advanced…