MEDIA RELEASE

AUSTRALIAN NAVAL SHIPS, BAND AND AIR FORCE BALLOON ACCOMPANY DEFENCE INDUSTRY MISSION TO THE PHILIPPINES

Visits by three Australian Naval ships, a Naval band and an Air Force hot air balloon will mark the launch next week of the largest defence industry mission Australia has ever mounted to the Philippines.

To be attended by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer and the Philippines Secretary for Defense, more than 16 companies will participate in the mission to be opened under the banner of Building Self Reliance Through Trade and Industry Cooperation at the Manila Hotel next Monday (Nov 16).

The mission is part of Defence’s participation in a whole of Government promotion being presented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as Australia’s contribution to the Philippines' centenary of independence celebrations.

While focussing on trade and investment, the overall promotion titled All the Best - from Australia includes a range of other business, cultural, sporting, educational and scientific activities to reflect the contemporary, positive image of Australia.

"The main aims of the defence industry mission are to project Australia's capabilities as a supplier of innovative and sophisticated technology and expertise," Mr Fischer said.

"The Australian Government hopes those involved will identify opportunities for commercial cooperation in the support and adaptation of advanced technologies. It really is a golden opportunity to talk with key Filipino decision makers at the highest level."

Mr Fischer is confident that the overall promotion will enhance and broaden the bilateral relationship with the Philippines.

Invited Filipino guests - representing Government and local industry in the Philippines - are due to searide in the first of the Australian-built ANZAC ships, HMAS ANZAC in Manila Bay on Monday morning (Nov 16).

The Royal Australian Navy task group including ANZAC and two Australian guided missile frigates, HMA Ships ADELAIDE and SYDNEY, is due on Friday (Nov 13).

The ships will berth to music from the Royal Australian Navy band which has been involved in a variety of activities with the Royal Australian Air Force balloon in the days leading up to the task group arrival.

In addition to addressing visitors to the defence industry showcase, Mr Fischer will attend the Australian Defence Department’s Leyte Gulf 50th Anniversary commemorative art exhibition in Manila on Monday (Nov 16).

(AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FIRMS PARTICIPATING INCLUDE: ADI Pty Ltd, AMC Search, Australian Submarine Corporation, Aerospace Technical Services Pty Ltd, British Aerospace Australia, Combat Clothing Australia Pty Ltd, Gutteridge Haskins & Davey (GHD), Inductoheat Pty Ltd, Jenkins Engineering Defence Services, Jung Precision Optics Pty Ltd, LADS Corporation, Moonraker Australia Pty Ltd, Radio Frequency Systems, Spantech Pty Ltd, TDA Systems Engineering Pty Ltd, Tenix Defence Systems Pty Ltd, Thomson Marconi Sonar and Transfield Pty Ltd )*

Further information . . .

 Ministerial: Brendan Egan  : (02) 6277 7420
Departmental: Tony Underwood: (02) 6265 2703