- Cook Government joins forces with BlueForge Alliance Australia Limited
- Partnership to advance Western Australia's defence industry capability and workforce development aligned with AUKUS
- The goal is to grow WA's defence sector, create jobs, and diversify the economy
The Cook Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BlueForge Alliance Australia Limited (BFAA), marking an international alliance that will help grow Western Australia's defence workforce capability.
The agreement will enable more defence manufacturing to be done in WA to support the AUKUS partnership, creating local jobs and diversifying the economy.
BFAA is the independent Australian affiliate of BlueForge Alliance (BFA), a US-based not-for-profit and mission-driven partner helping the US Navy build up the US maritime industrial base through advanced manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, and workforce development.
Partnering with BFAA strengthens WA's defence ecosystem by connecting local industry and workforce capabilities with global defence supply chains and innovation efforts.
The MoU seeks to promote opportunities to expand participation of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in global defence supply chains. It also aims to strengthen training pathways and the development of the skilled workforce needed for AUKUS-related programs.
Defence West and the Department of Training and Workforce Development will work with BFAA to explore opportunities to connect local industry and education providers with national initiatives and bring industry expertise and support for SME growth and innovation.
The signing took place on Tuesday, 4 November at the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, with Defence Industries Minister the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA representing the Government of Western Australia.
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring Western Australia is ready to play its full part in the AUKUS endeavour.
"Through this partnership with BlueForge Alliance, we are strengthening the link between industry, training, and education - ensuring Western Australians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed for the future of defence.
"WA is already home to a world-class defence industry, and this collaboration will help create more defence manufacturing jobs and diversify our economy."
As stated by Skills and TAFE and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The MoU signed with BlueForge Alliance Australia will deliver more skilled jobs and business opportunities for Western Australians.
"The Cook Government is investing in training and workforce development and supporting our manufacturing sector to ensure our workers and businesses are ready for the defence-related work that will flow from this and other partnerships.
"Our central role in the AUKUS agreement and our future as a defence industry hub will underpin decades of work and deliver greater diversification of our economy."
