newy.com.au – Lockheed Martin Australia’s Hunter workforce is expected to grow from 60 to between 90 and 100 employees under the next phase of the AIR6500 defence project, according to Paterson MP Meryl Swanson.
Ms Swanson said the additional jobs would be supported by a $1.32 billion contract with the company, creating opportunities for local engineers and other skilled workers.
The contract forms part of the Albanese Government’s additional $2.4 billion investment in air and missile defence. Ms Swanson said that broader investment supported more than 360 skilled jobs across the Hunter and South Australia.
AIR6500 will deliver the next stage of Australia’s Joint Air Battle Management System. The system is designed to bring together information and capabilities across the Australian Defence Force, helping it detect and respond to threats.
Williamtown engineering and manufacturing company Varley will manufacture secure, deployable cabins for the program, drawing on its existing Australian supply chain.
Australian defence industry partners are expected to deliver a substantial share of the work over the next six years.
“More local jobs, more opportunities for skilled workers and more work for Paterson businesses – this is exactly the kind of investment we want to see,” Ms Swanson said.
The Government also highlighted construction work at Lockheed Martin Australia’s $85.9 million Air Power Precinct in the Hunter.
The company’s chief executive for Australia and New Zealand, Jeremy King, said the precinct would bring together integrated air and missile defence work and F-35 aircraft maintenance and support.
Meanwhile Charlotte McCabe from Newcastle Greens responded to the announcement, telling newy.com.au that “The Albanese government is continuing to pour billions of dollars of our public money into weapons companies while households are struggling to cover the cost of day to day living.”
“At a time when the Hunter should be employing our local engineers and skilled workers in the jobs and industries of the future, Albanese is determined to worsen the regional skills shortage by investing in weapons manufacturing while he fails to plan for or support a genuine transition for the Hunter.”
“I reject any suggestion that these defence developments are necessary to create skilled jobs in our region. Investors from peaceful, sustainable circular economy industries are interested in establishing their workforce here, but they don’t receive the same level of investment or support that defence primes receive.”
“Far from ensuring sovereignty, these announcements will only ensure profits for Lockheed Martin. While Australia maintains its commitment to the AUKUS alliance, our sovereignty is significantly weakened as we’re bound to commit our defence bases and capability to any wars the Trump administration demands of us, and I think most Australians are deeply uncomfortable with that.”
Built construction director Allan Young told newy.com.au the builder’s work at the precinct was expected to involve a local workforce of more than 350 people at its peak. Mr Young also said local subcontractors were producing structural steel and concrete for the construction project in the Newcastle area.
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