Aus - USA Develop Links With Project Deepwater

Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Liberal Senator for Tasmania

08 November 2000

Australia - USA Industry Develop Links With Project Deepwater

Senator Eric Abetz, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, welcomed the visit by the United States Coast Guard and it's prime USA industry contractors to the Project Deepwater Industry Interface Meeting in Sydney today.

The US Coast Guard and industry representatives from Lockheed Martin, Scientific Applications International Corporation and Avondale were here to meet with members of Australia's defence industry as part of their discussions for the future replacement of their deepwater fleet - a project expected to cost US$13 Billion over the next 15 years.

"Australian industry has shown a keen interest in Project Deepwater and today's industry interface meeting has attracted a wide cross section of our defence industry," Senator Abetz said.

Project Deepwater's acquisition strategy of considering international commercial off the shelf solutions to its requirements gives Australian industry a welcome opportunity to enter the lucrative American market.

Australia has internationally leading edge products in the areas of electronic warfare, surveillance and detection systems, deep sea rescue products, secure information systems and fast and reliable ocean going vessels such as HMAS Jervis Bay.

"Australian companies have a well deserved reputation for innovation and after sales support, backed by a highly educated and skilled workforce.

"These factors along with our products becoming increasingly more competitive due to the current exchange rate, make Australian industry participation in Project Deepwater highly attractive," Senator Abetz said.

Andrew Joyce - Media Adviser - 02 62773710 0407 100521 Fax: 02 62773742 Email: andrew.joyce@aph.gov.au Web: www.defence.gov.au

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