Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has invested over $300 million in contracts for new Bendigo built bushmasters, delivering a total of more than 130 additional locally made Bushmasters for the Australian Army.

These additional contracts have supported hundreds of jobs in the local economy and has secured the future of Thales Australia’s Protected Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Bendigo.

The Albanese Government’s decision to stand up the new Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office to promote and facilitate the sale of select Australian defence capabilities to international partners will include the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle as one of the first priority capabilities. This will further support the ongoing success of the Thales site in Bendigo, and build on the success of the iconic Bushmaster which is now used by nine countries around the world.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles today visited the site, which had no ongoing contracts and was at risk of closure prior to the 2022 Federal Election under the Coalition Government.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“Prior to the last Federal election, Thales Bendigo was at risk of closure and making the entire workforce redundant.

“Our Government’s investment in more Bushmaster contracts has saved the site and ensured long-term sustainability of vital defence industry jobs.

“Bendigo has a proud defence manufacturing history. I will continue to fight for local jobs at Thales Bendigo and a future made in Australia.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RICHARD MARLES:

“The Albanese Government has signed contracts for more Bushmasters to be manufactured here in Bendigo which is keeping high-tech, well-paid paid jobs here in the region.

"Bushmasters, as we know have become an iconic Australian brand as they have been purchased all around the world, protecting troops, including the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

"The Albanese Government is committed to building a strong defence force and we know that starts right here in Bendigo."