24 April 2019

Improved Defence Health Facilities for Victoria

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett today briefed local businesses and community members, along with Mr Steve Martin the Liberal candidate for Indi, on the opportunities to work with Defence across building, trades and services contracts. Minister Fawcett outlined the Coalition Government’s commitment to local industry contribution and engagement across Defence estate contracts.

“Under this government you have seen a real shift in the way Defence engages in building and construction contracts. We are delivering better outcomes for local businesses through Local Industry Capability Plans (LICPs) that encourage head contractors to engage and foster a strong local supply chain. Early predictions are that upwards of 80 percent of contract value and work packages will go to local companies under contracts that require an LICP,” Minister Fawcett said.

In February, Minister Fawcett announced upgrades and developments under the Joint Health Command Garrison Health Facilities Upgrade project in the Albury Wodonga Military Area. As part of a national program under the LICP requirement will see 32 sub-contract packages, with a value of $12.1 million, being sourced from the local North Victoria and Riverina region.

“Under this LICP, 95% of the workforce will come from the region, meaning job opportunities and an economic boost to the local area,” Minister Fawcett said.

Yesterday the Minister had the opportunity to see the progress of these works and discuss the local industry engagement to date on the project.

“In line with the predictions of the LICP, Joss Constructions have maintained their commitment and currently have let 17 sub-contract packages, 13 to local and 4 to regional businesses.”

Liberal Candidate for Indi, Steve Martin said this investment was more evidence that the Morrison Government was already delivering the essential services that communities need, made possible by a stronger economy under the Liberals and Nationals.

“The improved, large scale health facilities at Bandiana are another step in securing the future of the site for many years to come – part of our plan to build our economy and secure our future,” Mr Martin said.

“This upgrade not only supports ADF members with the services it provides, it also supports the local Border community with the Morrison Government’s Local Industry Participation requirements ensuring small and medium businesses get a share of the work.”

Nationals Candidate for Indi, Mark Byatt welcomed confirmation the upgrade would be done by local businesses.

“This is terrific news for the thousands of servicemen and women, and their families, who are based here at Bandiana,” Mr Byatt said.

“The Australian Defence Force has a significant footprint in the region and role in the Albury-Wodonga community over many years. Regional businesses such as Colin Joss and Co. are so important in supplying goods and services to the ADF and driving jobs and investments locally.”

The upgrades are part of a $212 million Joint Health Command Garrison Health Facilities Upgrade Project which will see upgrades to Defence health centres across 13 Defence sites nationally.

Projects like this are only possible due to a strong economy. Strong economic management means the Coalition government can allocate over $200 billion in Defence capability investment over the next 10 years. This investment safeguards our future and puts in place the parameters to help our armed servicemen and women to do their jobs, at their best. When Labor was last in government they oversaw $18 billion stripped out of the Defence budget leading to some of the lowest investment in Defence since the Second World War.

Ends.