“ON YOUR BIKE”: LABOR’S MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE COMPANY

In his National Press Club address in June, the Prime Minister said:

“We are investing in our economic sovereignty, our capacity to make more things here, with our plan for a Future Made in Australia.”

But the gulf between Mr Albanese’s rhetoric and reality has again been exposed.

This week, The Australian broke the story that Australian-based company, Stealth Electric Bikes, is looking to move production overseas.

The local manufacturer makes fast, quiet and low-heat signature military e-bikes that are suited for a range of operational activities and have been sold to overseas defence and police forces.

Stealth Electric Bikes has also spent years researching and developing an e-bike for our postal workers to replace their traditional motorcycles.

Despite this work, Australia Post has instead decided to source the e-bikes from overseas companies.

The decision is yet another example of the Albanese Government’s hollow words on productivity and its hypocrisy on a Future Made in Australia.

The truth is, less is being made in Australia, and more is being made abroad.

Right now, the Government needs to invest in our local small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses – many of which are critical if we hope to build a stronger, sovereign defence industry.

Whether it’s drones, counter-drone technologies, missiles, munitions, small capabilities and other ‘consumables’ of conflict, we need to produce more at home – especially at a time when the defence industrial bases of our partners and allies are increasingly stretched.

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Contact: Rebekah Hart | 0459 893 181