Prime Minister's Historic Visit

On 15 September 2020, The Hon. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, visited the headquarters and operations of the Varley Group in Tomago, NSW hosted by Mr Jeff Phillips, the Chairman, and CEO of the Varley Group.   Although Varley regularly hosts visits by Defence Ministers, Industry Ministers, and Foreign Affairs & Trade Ministers, this was the first visit to Varley by a Prime Minister since it commenced business in 1886.

 

In addition to witnessing first hand the extensive manufacturing and engineering activities undertaken by VARLEY, the Prime Minister was briefed on VARLEY RAFAEL AUSTRALIA (VRA) – the joint venture between VARLEY and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems. 

 

Through this joint venture, VRA will deliver Australian made and Australian supported advanced weapon systems to the Australian Defence Force including the recently selected SPIKE LR2 Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon. 

 

There will be extensive advanced Technology Transfer to Australia resulting in a significant workforce up-skilling and the creation of new high technology engineering jobs.  Critically, the project will deliver a significant Sovereign Industrial Capability in Australia combined with growth.