WA base vies for submarine work

A Japanese delegation is visiting a marine servicing base in Perth as the local industry bids for work on Australia's new submarine fleet.

West Australian Attorney-General Michael Mischin said the state-government owned Australian Marine Complex in Henderson played a critical role in supporting the current Collins Class submarines and he expected that would continue with future submarines.

The $20 billion submarine procurement project is the Australian defence force's most expensive to date, with Japan, France and Germany competing for the design.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union said more than 50 shipbuilding workers protested at the complex on Friday morning, demanding a local build for the submarines.

The union said if the federal government sent the work offshore, it would not only walk away from an election promise to keep the build local, but also threaten almost 5000 jobs around Australia including 250 at Henderson.

State secretary Steve McCartney said the protesters did not disrupt work at the site but held up banners and posters.