The Hon Wade Noonan MP - travel report - UK & Germany, 25-30 April 2017
| Minister | The Hon. Wade Noonan |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | Minister for Industry and Employment Minister for Resources |
| Countries visited | United Kingdom and Germany |
| Date of travel | 25 - 30 April 2017 |
| No. of official travel days (including day of departure and day of return) |
6 |
| Number of accompanying ministerial staff | 1 |
| Accompanied by spouse in an official capacity | No |
| Funding for the overseas trip was paid by (list department/s or agency) | Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources |
| Air fares (including taxes and fees) | $22,620.00* |
| Accommodation (including taxes and fees) | $ 4,110.00* |
| Other expenses (includes surface travel and travel allowances) | $ 2,886.00* |
| Travel cost for minister and staff | $29,616.00* |
*The above costs are not final and complete
Purpose of travel
The key purpose of the travel was to cement and reinforce Victoria's offer to the parent companies of both shortlisted companies for the Commonwealth Government's LAND 400 Phase 2 project, BAE Systems Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia. The Minister met with senior executives from both businesses to advocate Victoria's claim to being the natural location for military vehicle production in Australia.
Whilst in the United Kingdom, the Minister met with Representatives from Bombardier Inc who have manufacturing operations in Victoria to discuss the company's strategic direction.
The Minister also met with the newly appointed defence adviser for Europe and the UK to discuss the program of work being undertaken in Victoria.
In addition, the Minister met with the Agent-General in London to discuss attracting industry to Victoria.
Benefits of travel to the State of Victoria
The travel reinforced to both shortlisted companies the State's commitment to the LAND 400 project. The discussions undertaken with senior managers of both companies has allowed Victoria to refine and improve its proposals to both companies and improved the State's chances of securing the project.
The LAND 400 program is Australia's largest ever military land vehicle acquisition and securing the project is an important element in safeguarding Victoria's defence industry.
The program will generate significant employment outcomes for the successful state over the coming decades.
Visiting BAE Systems strengthened the States understanding of BAE's LAND 400 proposal and also BAE's interests more broadly in Victoria and Australia.
Visiting Rheinmetall allowed the State to build a more comprehensive understanding of Rheinmetall's aspirations regarding facilities for the program.
Visiting both companies allowed the Minister to directly communicate Victoria's interest in securing the project and provide appropriate incentives to each company to secure their bid.
On 1 August 2017, BAE announced that it has selected Victoria as the build location in its bid. Rheinmetall has announced Queensland as its location.
Next Steps / Follow Up
BAE has announced that it has selected Victoria as its build location and will submit its LAND 400 proposals to the Commonwealth on 11 August 2017. The Victorian Government will be advocating strongly and undertake initial design and planning work at Fishermans Bend ahead of the Commonwealth down select in approximately April 2018.
Page last updated: 27 October 2017