SOPHIE Mirabella has vowed to fight for defence textile manufacturing to stay in Wangaratta if she becomes the nation’s next industry minister.
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The Liberal MP for Indi yesterday called a recent $20 million contract for an overseas manufacturer to supply Australian Army jackets an “absolute betrayal of Australian manufacturing jobs”.
Mrs Mirabella made the comments during a visit to Bruck Textiles in Wangaratta — Australia’s largest textile manufacturer — but stopped short of promising the contract would be returned to Australia.
She was flanked by former treasurer Peter Costello and member for his old seat of Higgins, Kelly O’Dwyer.
The five-year contract, with an option of four, signed on August 20, is for the supply of camouflage fabric. The jacket itself will be made offshore.
Bruck Textiles chief executive Geoff Parker said the decision made a “mockery” of the federal government’s support for manufacturing.
“This decision is even more significant because it marks the first time an ADF uniform camouflage fabric will not be manufactured in Australia,” he said.
“It could easily be manufactured in Australia which would ensure security of supply, as well as support our manufacturing capacity and jobs.”
Mr Parker said the decision should have been put on hold until after the election.
Mrs Mirabella said it was “not just about money — it’s about having priority industry capabilities”.
“I have fought for defence manufacturing to stay here in Wangaratta and I will do it again, because it’s important for the nation and Wangaratta,” she said.
“We’ve fought and stopped our soldiers wearing foreign-made uniforms before.”
She did not give a figure on how much the Coalition would be willing to pay for the contract to remain in Australia.
“It is a priority for us and if we win the election, we’ll have a complete look at the books and find out how badly this government has de-invested in defence,” she said.
Asked whether jobs would stay offshore if it was cheaper, Mrs Mirabella said: “It’s not a matter of the numbers not adding up. Our soldiers should be kitted in Australian-made uniforms.”
In 2010, a combat uniform was defined as shirts and trousers only — negating any requirement for the rest of the uniform to be Australian-made.
Mrs Mirabella said it “defies logic you can have the shirt and pants, and not the jackets”.
