- Expression of interest (EOI) open for local, national and international companies to help shape a large-scale defence manufacturing hub
- Proposal to establish a nationally significant industrial ecosystem supporting sovereign defence capability and global supply
- Hub to unite advanced manufacturing, innovation and enabling technologies together within a single strategic footprint
The Cook Labor Government is calling on industry from across Australia and around the world to help shape a nationally significant advanced Defence Manufacturing Hub in Western Australia.
Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for companies with an international market to establish a presence in Western Australia. It's aimed at companies with cutting-edge capability and expertise across defence manufacturing, industrial systems and enabling technologies.
The proposal will explore the development of a large-scale co-located industrial footprint which connects advanced manufacturing, innovation, logistics and supply chains within a single strategic location.
The opportunity spans a wide range of industries, including precision manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace and autonomous systems, energetics, space technologies and other high-end capabilities critical to modern defence.
The vision is to strengthen sovereign capability while supporting allied supply chains in response to growing global demand for advanced defence manufacturing.
The EOI process will run for six weeks to help identify companies interested in shaping the future industrial base and inform planning around infrastructure, workforce development, industrial land, research partnerships and export pathways.
EOIs close 8 July. A link can be found here: WA.gov.au | Defence West
This initiative aligns with Commonwealth priorities under the Defence Industry Development Strategy, the National Defence Strategy and AUKUS Pillar II, alongside the State Government's Made in WA, Diversify and WA Defence and Defence Industry strategy priorities.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Western Australia is ready to play a far greater role in strengthening Australia's sovereign defence capability.
"This is a call out to our most forward-thinking businesses. If you have the capability, ambition and an existing global market, we want you helping to build this precinct from the ground up.
"This will help diversify our economy, create quality jobs for the next generation, and deliver on our plan to make more things in WA."
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"This is an opportunity for companies with an international market to establish a presence in WA.
"We want to attract global companies to help shape a sovereign capability that supports our allies and strengthens defence supply chains.
"We're not starting from scratch, WA has the skills, the industrial base and the innovation. This EOI is about bringing it all together and building something bigger."
As stated by Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Advanced manufacturing is a key part of diversifying WA's economy, and this initiative has the potential to position our State as a nationally significant centre for sovereign industrial capability.
"By attracting investment, technology and collaboration we can help build a stronger manufacturing future for Western Australia."
