- $2 million to help WA businesses break into AUKUS supply chains
- WA defence sector on track to become State's second-biggest industry
- Cook Government boosting local manufacturing to create jobs and diversify the economy
The Cook Government is supporting Western Australia's world-class defence businesses to enter AUKUS supply chains through the launch of the AUKUS SME Readiness Fund.
The $2 million for small and medium enterprises will be delivered over four years and target immediate opportunities for WA defence industry businesses to compete in the US and UK supply chains.
Local businesses can qualify for supply chain entry with grants of up to 50 per cent of their total costs, up to a maximum of $100,000.
The fund will help ensure WA's economy remains the strongest in nation and is part of the plan to make more things here and create local jobs.
Through recent ministerial missions to the US and UK, strong ties have been forged with governments and key industry partners driving their nuclear submarine projects.
In addition to the AUKUS SME Readiness Fund, the Cook Government will also open the fourth round of its Defence Ready Initiative, a well-established grant program that has assisted close to 50 local small and medium businesses to improve their capabilities and enter defence supply chains around the world.
To learn more and apply for the AUKUS SME Readiness Fund, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/defence-west/the-defence-ready-initiative
To learn more and apply for the Defence Ready Initiative, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/defence-west/the-aukus-sme-readiness-fund
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"WA's defence industry is set to be the State's next economic powerhouse providing a buffer to the cyclical nature of the resources sector.
"The AUKUS SME Readiness Fund will open doors to opportunities for WA businesses and help grow the sector.
"By making more things in WA, we create more local jobs and diversify our economy."
