Becker Helicopters

In reply to Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (28 November 2018).

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier): I have been advised:

Becker Helicopters is committed to the company's relocation to Whyalla and is continuing to pursue business development opportunities overseas in order to ensure the necessary contracts are secured to enable the relocation. Becker Helicopters has engaged a contractor for the design of the facilities and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAFE SA to form an ongoing training partnership.

The relocation will transform South Australia into a strategic hub for Becker Helicopters, with 80 highly skilled positions and training for 50 international students each year. These skilled roles will offer sustainable employment opportunities, with majority of the support staff to be sourced locally. Becker Helicopters has reached its first agreed milestone of project initiation, and in accordance with the funding agreement, the first instalment has been paid to Becker Helicopters.