Victorian premier calls on federal government to bring forward naval ship production
Dennis Napthine made the call while announcing 550 new jobs had been created for global outsourcing firm Aegis. (9NEWS)
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has called on the federal government to bring forward production of new navy patrol boats, amid concerns about the future of BAE's Williamstown shipyard.
This morning dozens of workers staged a protest outside the Melbourne hearing of a Senate Inquiry into Australia's Naval Shipbuilding Industry.
They're concerned the Williamstown dock may be forced to close, following the completion of the Navy's two Landing Helicopter Decks.
Announcing the creation of 550 new jobs at global corporate outsourcing firm Aegis, the Premier said he'd discussed shipbuilder BAE's future with Federal government officials at Friday's COAG meeting in Canberra.
"There's opportunities to bring forward production of patrol boats and Williamstown would be well placed to do that work", he said.
But Deputy Opposition Leader James Merlino has accused the Premier of not doing enough to push for new work.
"It would rate a discussion between the Premier of this state and the Prime Minister, that didn't happen", he said.
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