European naval shipbuilders are being lobbied by an Australian state government to construct locally any future vessels for the Australian Navy.
The South Australia Minister for Defense Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith, together with defense industry representatives from the state, are visiting this week European bidders for a government contract to build new submarines to ensure the maintenance of industry jobs in the state.
The Future Submarine program bidders include DCNS in France and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Germany, along with likely contenders for Future Frigate work BAE Systems and Babcock in Britain.
The minister said the delegation is also meeting with Odense Maritime Technology, SAAB Systems and Fincantieri.
"It is important that Future Submarine bidders thoroughly understand South Australia's capacity and commitment to deliver submarines in South Australia," Hamilton-Smith said. "The South Australian government has created a world-class facility at Techport Australia and we are determined to see Australia's future submarines built here.
"We have huge credentials as a center for excellence in naval shipbuilding, underpinned by our highly skilled workers."
Accompanying Hamilton-Smith to France, Britain and Germany will be Defense SA's Chief Executive Malcolm Jackman and Director Maritime Andrew Jackman as well as Defense Teaming Center Chief Executive Officer Chris Burns.
Hamilton-Smith said the collaborative working relationship between the defense industry and government in South Australia will be highlighted during his talks.
