Labor All At Sea On Illawarra Manufacturing And Defence Jobs

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has called out Illawarra Labor MPs saying they are more interested in Green preferences than local manufacturing and jobs.

Mr Ward’s comments come following the announcement that Port Kembla could be the home to our new submarine fleet.

“It seems Illawarra Labor has done a ‘deep dive’ on the issue of subs in our region. Not a single Labor MP has said a word about such an incredible opportunity for our region.

“I was born in Port Kembla Hospital. Port Kembla is as much our region’s past as it can be our nation’s defence future.

“I don’t want war on Australia soil but I do want the capacity to defend our people and signal to those that might do us harm to stay away.

“I’m backing Port Kembla as the home for our nation’s new subs.

“We need to be a nation that builds things and there is no place more capable of manufacturing Australia’s defence capabilities than our region and its people.

“The argument that subs at Port Kembla would make our region a target is as stupid as it is selfish. It’s stupid because HMAS Albatross and ANSTO are already in our region. And it’s selfish because if Port Kembla is a target – Australia is a target.

“Our defence force personnel don’t make us a target – they make us proud.

“The Illawarra is the strength our nation needs and I’m backing it! Mr Ward said.