State backs Land 400 Geelong bid

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The State Government is backing Hanwha Defense Australia to build and maintain Australian military vehicles in Geelong, in a move that stands to create hundreds of highly-skilled local jobs.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula today (12 Jan 2021) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha, a major South Korean global company, to formalise a long-term partnership which will support the establishment of Hanwha’s defence manufacturing operations in Victoria.

Minister Pakula was at Laverton North to see Hanwha’s LAND 400 Phase 3 vehicle the Redback (see image), after the Commonwealth selected Hanwha as one of two final tenderers, along with Rheinmetall in Queensland.

A Price Waterhouse Coopers report commissioned by Hanwha estimated that the LAND 400 Phase 3 manufacturing effort would generate $5.7 billion in total economic impacts in Victoria.

Hanwha is also looking to build 30 Self-Propelled Howitzers and 15 armoured resupply vehicles in Geelong, and carry out maintenance and repairs during their years of service for the Australian Army, having been recently announced as the sole tenderer for the Commonwealth’s LAND 8116 tender.

The MoU will enable the Government and Hanwha to explore investment opportunities in defence and non-defence sectors. The partnership will strengthen Victoria’s relationship with South Korean industry, driving collaboration and creating opportunities for expanded bilateral trade and investment.

Founded in 1952, Hanwha Corporation has grown to become South Korea’s largest defence company and also operates in aerospace, fintech, mining and clean energy.

Victoria’s defence sector contributes $8.4 billion annually to the state’s economy with 6,300 small-to-medium businesses working across military vehicle production, maritime design, aerospace components, digital and cyber security, and munitions.

Victoria is well positioned to capitalise on the Commonwealth’s forecast investment in new defence capability of $270 billion over 10 years.

The Victorian Budget 2020-21 allocated $6 million to give the state’s defence sector a competitive edge so it can capture a large share of Australia’s biggest ever defence spend.

“Victoria is the home of Australian manufacturing and we are pleased to be working with Hanwha to maximise opportunities for more high-value jobs to be created in Geelong,” Minister Pakula said.

“The range of companies working in defence industries is staggering, and we’re backing them to grow further.”

Hanwha Defense Australia managing director Richard Cho said his company was delighted to enter into this MoU with the Victorian Government.

“We see it as a strong platform from which to develop our mutual interests in a range of technologies and to establish an advanced manufacturing facility here in Victoria,” he said.

Source: A state government media release

Giulia Baggio appointed as G21 CEO

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G21 – Geelong Region Alliance today announced the appointment of Ms Giulia Baggio as its new Chief Executive Officer.

G21 Chair Cr Stephanie Asher said the G21 Board was thrilled with the appointment which heralded a new era for G21.

“Giulia’s breadth of experience in the media, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and political advisory roles in both the private and public sectors make her eminently qualified for this role,” Cr Asher said.

“G21 region is embarking on a new era of unprecedented growth and opportunity.  Giulia comes to G21 at an exciting time.  The G21 Board is confident that Giulia’s skills, energy and experience is the right combination to help take the region forward.

“Giulia knows this region well.  Her father and grandparents lived at the foot of the You Yangs and she attended school in Geelong.  Since then she has been a regular visitor to the region.

“As the newly elected Chair of G21, I am looking forward to working with Giulia to bring a new fresh direction to G21’s important work for the region,” Cr Asher said.

Ms Baggio said she was looking forward to taking up the role.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to work on behalf of Australia’s most beautiful and liveable region,” Ms Baggio said.

“The next decade will require careful planning to create good quality jobs and prosperity for our communities while also preserving the exquisite natural beauty of our coast, forests and plains. By working closely with our community, I am confident we can create the best of all worlds.

“I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work already accomplished by G21 under the leadership of Elaine Carbines. From a strong foundation, we’re ready to go forward.”

Ms Baggio replaces Elaine Carbines who is retiring after 10 years in the role.

Ms Baggio officially begins as CEO on 1 February.  There will be a short handover between the outgoing and incoming chief executives prior to then.

BIO – Giulia Baggio

Giulia’s most recent role was Chief of Staff to the Lord Mayor Sally Capp at the City of Melbourne.

Prior to this she worked as an executive in a number of organisations covering a range of public policy areas including financial services and superannuation, climate change and sustainability, OHS and workplace relations.

Giulia has also worked for the Commonwealth Government as a policy and media adviser in a variety of ministerial portfolios.

Giulia’s career began at the ABC where she enjoyed 15 years as a TV news and current affairs journalist, primarily reporting on politics in Spring Street and Canberra.