In line with the strategy commitments of the Defence White Paper, I announce a Request For Tender for replacement of our 15 aging Fremantle class Patrol Boats a project worth up to $450 million to Australian industry.
The Fremantle class Patrol Boats have provided almost a quarter of a century of good service to Australia, but are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and a replacement is needed.
Crewed by Naval personnel, the new Patrol Boats will continue to provide vital operational training to Navy personnel at the front line of Australia's defences against people smuggling, illegal fishing, the narcotics trade and breaches of Australia's quarantine regulations.
The Navy contributes 1800 Patrol Boat days each year to Coastwatch operations protecting our maritime zone.
The Government's preference is to have the new Patrol Boats constructed at an existing shipyard in Australia and it has specified that they will be supported and maintained in Darwin and Cairns.
The Government is keen to pursue this project under private financing arrangements, capturing all the advantages this approach may provide. However, the Government must be satisfied it is receiving the best outcome for the investment of taxpayer dollars. The invitation to tender will therefore seek bids under a privately financed arrangement or direct purchase by the Government. It is expected that a single entity will take responsibility for supplying the Patrol Boats but also maintaining and supporting them for the duration of their 15-20 year lifespan
The draft request for tender documentation will be released shortly for further comment by industry before it is finalised and formally released in September 2001.
The replacement Patrol Boats are expected to come into service from late 2004.
