- Queensland launches Defence Q to secure a greater share of global defence investment as demand for defence capability accelerates worldwide.
- Defence Q will attract international partners and grow sovereign capability in local manufacturing and test and evaluation of autonomous systems, missiles and other advanced technologies.
- Retired Brigadier Mick Say to be appointed as Queensland's new Land Strategic Defence Advisor.
- The Crisafulli Government's is accelerating the growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and building sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is embarking on a major defence investment raid with the launch of Defence Q - a specialised group that will further position Queensland at the forefront of Australia's growing defence sector.
Defence Q will be Queensland's refocused platform for defence industry growth, providing businesses with a clear and coordinated pathway to invest, establish and grow their presence in Queensland.
The specialised team will help connect industry with government, strategic partners, supply chains, suitable locations and investment opportunities to support advanced manufacturing, testing and evaluation and the development of high-tech defence systems, such as missiles and autonomous and uncrewed systems.
Another target is making Queensland the home of Land Forces - Australia's largest land defence industry event - giving the event the stability and support from Government it needs.
The Crisafulli Government has also appointed Brigadier Mick Say (retired) as Queensland's new Land Strategic Defence Advisor, reinforcing the State's position as a national hub for land capability.
Brigadier Say will provide strategic advice to government and help strengthen engagement between defence, industry and key national stakeholders, supporting Queensland's ambition to be Australia's home of land capability.
He will join Rear Admiral Simon Cullen AM CSC (retired) and Air Vice-Marshal Neil Hart AM (retired) as Queensland's Strategic Defence Advisors for Maritime and Aerospace respectively.
Defence is a priority growth industry, with the Crisafulli Government backing projects that deliver real opportunities for Queensland's sovereign industries, rather than the thought bubbles of the former Labor Government.
Queensland is already home to major defence industry primes and SMEs, with nationally significant military assets, training environments, and businesses generating more than $1.25 billion in annual defence industry activity.
Defence Q will reinforce the significant partnerships the Crisafulli Government has already delivered through the landmark $180.6 Sovereign Industry Development Fund, which has already unlocked more than $193 million in investment for defence projects so far, creating over 2,470 jobs.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said Defence Q was the next phase of Queensland's defence industry campaign, building on the Crisafulli Government's significant steps to secure additional investment, future partnerships and more highly skilled jobs for Queenslanders.
"Queensland is open for business and Defence Q has a clear mission - position our State to lead the nation when it comes to attracting significant investment in defence, strengthen our sovereign industrial capability and help secure Australia's national security," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Queensland has the strategically significant geography, strong industrial base, skilled workforce and existing defence infrastructure needed to support the next generation of defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
"After a decade of decline and Labor's scattergun approach to industry development, Defence Q has its laser sight on securing the partnerships, projects and investment that strengthen Australia's sovereign capability while creating high-value jobs and economic opportunities for Queenslanders.
"Brigadier Say also brings extensive Defence experience to Queensland's arsenal, and will help strengthen our engagement with Defence, industry and key national stakeholders as we continue building Queensland's position as Australia's home of land capability."
Brigadier Mick Say said he was honoured to be appointed as Queensland's Land Strategic Defence Adviser.
"Queensland has an unparalleled position in Australia as the home of land force capabilities," Mr Say said.
"There is exceptional potential to grow the Defence industry presence in Queensland and the support it provides to military bases, fighting forces and training activities.
"I look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve a stronger Defence sector."
