AUSTAL : COVID19 STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

As we navigate these challenging times, and an extraordinary global environment stricken by the Covid-19 pandemic, Austal would like to provide a clear message of reassurance, support and continuity to all of our stakeholders around the world.

The unprecedented circumstances which our teams and supply chain partners face at present require a consistent, considered response - and a practical approach to addressing the impact of the virus on our global day-to-day operations.

First and foremost, Austal is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and local communities - in addition to ensuring that we keep our operations open, which will preserve jobs in both our business and supply chains.

Austal has effectively implemented response measures across our global business to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our critical stakeholders, while maintaining consistency in operations at all of our sites.

Aligning with World Health Organisation recommendations and adhering to all applicable Government Health Department directives, Austal has introduced a wide range of workplace health and safety measures that enable a safe working environment to reduce the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our people and operations.

We're Australia's global shipbuilder and a proven defence Prime contractor, delivering multiple naval vessel acquisition and sustainment projects to the world's leading naval fleets, including the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy.

Through the design, construction and support of Australia's entire patrol boat fleet, comprising 32 Bay, Armidale and Cape-class Patrol Boats, Austal and our thousands of suppliers, contractors and business partners have contributed to Australia's national security.

We continue to strengthen Australia's sovereign shipbuilding capability through the delivery of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (the Guardian-class) and the multiple commercial vessel projects we have underway.

As an acknowledged world leader in shipbuilding design, manufacturing, and sustainment, we are well placed to overcome the current challenges placed on our business due to a social distancing work environment.

Austal's commitment, drive and capability to deliver the best ships for our customers continues as strongly as ever, and we're working smarter - displaying innovation, adaptability and ingenuity to maintain productivity and service quality.

Austal's proactive response to the Covid-19 pandemic is supported by our strongest-ever financial position, which enables us to confidently continue shipbuilding and sustainment operations - and continue to engage our industry-leading suppliers, contractors and business partners, across our Australian and global supply chains.

We offer our ongoing support to all of our global industry business partners, stakeholders and local communities, and I encourage you to contact us immediately if we may help you, your business or organisation in any way to get through this difficult period.

We are all in this together; and I know we will all get through it.

Stay safe, stay informed and keep well.

Regards,

David Singleton
Chief Executive Officer