Western Australia’s government said will introduce legislation to Parliament to establish a new statutory body that will act as an engine for Western Australia’s defence sector. First established in 2017 by the Labor Government, Defence West will now evolve into an independent agency that will supercharge WA’s defence industries.
The new statutory authority will unlock global opportunities for local businesses and position WA as the destination of choice for defence manufacturing. Defence West will provide a key point of contact for the Australian Department of Defence and signal to the Commonwealth, industry leaders and global allies that the Western Australian Government sees defence work as a priority.
Military and defence industry specialists appointed to the agency will advocate for the industry directly with top decision-makers and provide independent advice to the WA Government. Defence West will also have powers to enter into business arrangements and provide targeted industry support, with appropriate approvals.
The move to create a statutory body dedicated to defence comes as the State gears up for AUKUS activity. From 2027, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and United Kingdom will begin to forward operate from HMAS Stirling at Garden Island as part of Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West). Australia will then acquire its own sovereign capability in 2032.
The announcement comes off the back of the Federal Government’s $12 billion investment to create the Henderson Defence Precinct. Once complete, it will be the biggest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere and a strategic AUKUS asset in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence West will be fit-for-purpose to deliver from 2027, ready for SRF-West.
Premier Roger Cook said: “Transforming Defence West into a statutory body will be a game changer for Western Australia, creating a single, powerful voice to champion our State’s defence industries at the highest levels. This new independent agency will unlock opportunities for local businesses and help position WA as the destination of choice for defence manufacturing. Through our Made in WA plan, we’re building more here at home, creating good jobs for Western Australians and diversifying our economy to keep it the strongest in the nation.”
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said: “For the first time, Western Australia will have a dedicated statutory body driving growth in the defence sector like never before. The huge uplift in defence spend around the world including AUKUS and the Henderson Defence Precinct present once-in-a-generation opportunities, and Defence West will ensure WA is ready to seize them. Our goal is to see WA’s defence sector grow into the State’s next major industry, second only to resources.”
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