The NSW Government has reiterated its support for the Hunter region's thriving defence industry, as the Hunter Defence Conference kicks off, bringing together prime contractors, businesses, defence researchers and training institutions to drive collaboration for the future of the industry.
The Hunter Defence Conference 2021 shines a spotlight on defence industry skilling and workforce readiness, defence capability development, supply chain and contract opportunities for small and medium enterprises and driving collaboration across the breadth of the defence industry.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW had more skilled people than any other state to meet the requirements of the defence industry over the next decade.
"This is no more apparent than in the Hunter region, where collaboration between defence Prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Australia, BAE Systems Australia and Boeing Defence Australia, along with local companies and education providers is driving a pipeline of the defence industry workforce of the future".
"The defence sector contributes $944 million to the Hunter region and the NSW economy and the NSW Government is committed to seeing significant growth to support more local jobs.
"Investment NSW is now open for business to attract investment and propel job creation by growing industries like defence. With a concierge for businesses and investors to navigate options to partner with the NSW government, we are excited to be able to drive more jobs for NSW, commercialise ideas, and connect our businesses to global markets."
The Hunter-based Nupress Group has been supplying precision manufactured components in the Aerospace and Defence sectors for over ten years, including the Joint Strike Fighter global supply chain where Nupress Group supplies parts for the engine.
Nupress Group CEO Craig McWilliam said Nupress has been part of the Hunter manufacturing sector since 1971.
"We undertook our transition into the defence sector and were motivated to elevate the supply chain as part of our journey. The Hunter is full of very smart and efficient businesses and we are excited to be part of this region's defence industry opportunities," Mr McWilliam said.
"We understand that no one can do it alone in the defence industry. We've always tried to elevate and support our supply chain in the same way that the large defence companies have supported us."
The NSW Government, through Investment NSW, is focussed on growing the entirety of defence industry across NSW and that will enhance our contribution to National security interests.
"I can't wait to see the future expansion that comes – we are all striving for jobs and innovation which is exactly what our defence industry is all about," Mr Ayres said.
