The Western Australian Indo-Pacific Defence Conference returns this year, with three prominent international speakers already confirmed.
United States' Indo-Pacific Co-ordinator Dr Kurt Campbell will deliver a keynote speech along with former US Ambassador to South Korea and Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris. BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan will also give a speech.
The Japanese Minister for Defense Nobuo Kishi and President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Dr Brendan Nelson will also address the conference.
Defence West is organising the conference in partnership with the Perth USAsia Centre and the UWA Defence and Security Institute.
This year's conference has been expanded to run for two days at Optus Stadium from October 19-20. It will have a hybrid format, with both in person and virtual attendance options.
First held in 2018, it is anticipated the 2021 conference will attract more than 500 delegates - the largest attendance to date.
The Conference aims to establish an ongoing dialogue that builds upon WA's existing strategic economic and geographic links in the Indo-Pacific region, and the potential for a greater contribution by WA's defence industry to national and regional defence and security matters.
For more information and to register your interest, visit http://www.wa.gov.au/defencewest
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"As Australia's Indo-Pacific capital, Perth is the perfect place to discuss the critical defence and security issues impacting the region.
"This year's conference will be one of the first opportunities we have had to showcase our world-class defence industry and research capabilities to national and international stakeholders since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The WA Government, through Defence West, is committed to growing our defence industry and ensuring the State harnesses its competitive advantages to maximise business opportunities and create more local jobs in the sector."
