A record number of Victorian manufacturers and businesses are on show this week at the Indo-Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks visited the Victorian Government Pavilion at Indo Pacific, where 64 local companies are showcasing the state's nation-leading advanced manufacturing, humanitarian aid, defence-related research and development to a global audience.
Indo Pacific is the region's premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition. Victoria has more than doubled its attendance at this year's event, recognising the importance of defence manufacturing to the state's economy.
Minister Brooks while attending the event also signed two memorandum of understandings with Rolls-Royce and H&B Defence which will bolster the state's ability to contribute to AUKUS Pillars 1 & 2 and support Victoria's defence supply chain, workforce and facilitate new investment projects.
Minister Brooks also joined Victorian manufacturer AW Bell to announce the company's recent signing of a Manufacturing Licensing Agreement which will see them join Northrop Grumman Australia's submarine industrial base.
The Victorian Defence Vision Statement outlines the Labor Government's vision to leverage the state's nation-leading capabilities in advanced manufacturing, workforce talent and defence-related research and development, which contribute around $10.9 billion annually to our economy and employ over 29,000 workers across Victoria.
The Economic Growth Statement which was released last year also backs in Victoria's defence supply chain industry to grow, win work and contribute to AUKUS.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks
"Victoria's record attendance at Indo Pac demonstrates the breadth of our defence maritime capabilities to a global audience."
"The new deals secured at Indo Pac will back our defence workforce which supports more than 29,000 jobs across Victoria."
As stated by AMDA CEO Justin Giddings
"For more than 25 years, Indo Pacific has grown into a globally recognised event that underscores the strength of Australia's maritime sector and the importance of collaboration between defence and industry.
"This year, with over 900 participating companies - including nearly one in five from Victoria - the event highlights the critical role Victorian businesses play in advancing sovereign capability and innovation."
