Yesterday the Prime Minister announced a massive boost for defence industry jobs in Tasmania and around the country.

The Defence Industry Pathway Program will match applicants with businesses associated with the defence industry. That means Tasmanians who want skills in areas like engineering and fabrication or other areas of advanced manufacturing will be mentored by Tasmanian businesses and supported by a re-elected Liberal Government.

Businesses in Hobart and Launceston will be invited to participate in the scheme.

This program has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs and help hundreds more get the skills they need. It will also help address the skills gap that is holding some businesses back and will be a massive boost for industry in Bass and Tasmania generally.

Bass is home to some of the best defence industry-related businesses in the country. Our advanced manufacturing sector has gone from strength-to-strength under the Liberal Government and we have a clear plan to keep that going. We can make these investments because we have a plan for a strong economy for a stronger future.