Joint Statement: Land 400 Phase 3 Delay

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP - SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE - MEMBER FOR CANNING

THE HON LUKE HOWARTH MP - SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY & DEFENCE PERSONNEL - MEMBER FOR PETRIE

Friday 25 November 2022

STATEMENT ON LAND 400 PHASE 3 DELAY

The Government’s delaying in its decision on the LAND 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program is a blow for Australia’s defence industry.

It’s disappointing for many small and large businesses, and their workforces, that have been preparing and investing in anticipation of a decision.

Under the former Coalition government, the successful tenderer was due to be informed in September 2022. Labor Government’s delay in the decision means many businesses will have to wait until March next year to know whether they are successful in tendering or not.

Once again, businesses will have no choice but to bear the consequences of Labor Government’s decision to delay.

Over recent months, the Opposition and the defence industry have been calling on the Government to provide clarity and certainty about the timing and direction of LAND 400 Phase 3.

In fact, just over a fortnight ago in Senate Estimates, the Government has again failed to provide a clear answer on whether LAND 400 Phase 3 decision would keep to the timetable or be pushed back under the Defence Strategic Review (DSR).

Given the DSR will have significant impacts on Australia’s defence industry, the Opposition calls on the Government to improve its constructive engagement with the industry.

The Opposition will be watching the outcomes of the DSR closely to ensure Australia has the land, sea and air capability we need to defend our nation and deter aggression.