A new advertising campaign showcasing excellence in Victoria’s defence industry has been unveiled by the Andrews Labor Government to help secure major defence contracts, attract investment and create jobs.

Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said the ‘Defence Excellence – Mission Possible’ campaign will boost the visibility of Victoria’s defence industry, and promote its aerospace, land and maritime capabilities.

“Australia’s defence sector relies heavily on Victorian-based industry, science and research.”

The campaign aims to help secure future Commonwealth defence projects – including Land 400 Phase 2, which will see the development of 225 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles to replace the current Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) fleet.

Victoria has a proven track record with military land vehicles through its expertise in engineering, design and technology, as well as strong research and development sectors and a world-class tertiary system.

“Australia’s defence sector relies heavily on Victorian-based industry, science and research,” Victorian Defence Industry Advocate and former Labor Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet said. “This campaign will help build on those important capabilities and attract future investment and jobs."

The six month campaign begins today, featuring in industry publications and defence supplements in major newspapers. From today, the campaign will appear on billboards at Canberra Airport and will roll out to parts of Melbourne next month.

The Labor Government has a proposal with the two shortlisted bidders for the Land 400 Phase 2 project – BAE Systems Australia and Rheinmetall Defence – to base their project activities in Victoria.

The State Government is also a major sponsor of the Australian International Airshow 2017 which begins in late February.

The Victorian defence industry contributes up to $8 billion to Victoria’s economy and includes more than 300 businesses, employing more than 7,000 people.

For more information about Victoria’s defence capabilities, visit www.ecodev.vic.gov.au/defence