South Australia’s defence industry is heading into a new era of investment, export opportunities and high tech collaboration, Defence and Space Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith has stated.
The opportunities – outlined in the South Australian Government Defence Strategy: 2030 – follows three years of successful advocacy for local industry and workers as partners in major defence infrastructure projects.
The Strategy outlines how the state can accelerate defence investment, create export opportunities and grow its highly-skilled defence workforce. It positions the state as a national leader in innovation as it works to create more high-tech jobs over the next decade and beyond.
Hamilton-Smith launched the new 13-year defence plan at the Adelaide office of Boeing Defence Australia, which has grown its workforce since signing a partnership agreement with the state government in April 2017.
The company is on track to create 250 jobs by the end of 2021, with 60 people currently developing technologically advanced, innovative and sustainable defence capability for the state.
The revised strategy follows a comprehensive review of the state’s defence priorities, prompted by major policy and project announcements in the sector.
“South Australia continues to be at the forefront of innovation, cutting-edge technology and defence capabilities, and this strategy ensures we maintain our competitive edge in new growth areas while building the state’s highly-skilled defence workforce over the next decade,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“Boeing is a terrific example of the high-tech companies we want to attract to South Australia to create more highly-skilled jobs in defence and new growth areas – a key priority in our new strategy.
“This strategy provides a clear direction to invest in our defence future and build a strong and capable workforce. Our vision to be the nation’s Defence State is now a reality, and it’s important for us to remain competitive through innovation and new technology.”
The strategy, developed by Defence SA, the Defence SA Advisory Board, with input from local industry and academia, reflects changes in the defence landscape, including the release of the 2016 Defence White Paper and the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, the announcement of major projects and a national space agency, and growth in new high-tech areas.
Major defence and shipbuilding projects will create an estimated 6000 direct jobs in South Australia, plus hundreds more supply chain opportunities, over the next 10 years.
The state’s space industry will also grow significantly, with its current 800-strong workforce expected to double in the next seven years.
South Australia released its first ten-year defence strategy in 2003, focusing on four key sectors: maritime, aerospace, land and electronics. It was revised in 2007 when Defence SA was established and most recently in 2015.
“Boeing Defence Australia is proud to play an active role in expanding the defence industry in South Australia,” said Boeing Defence Australia managing director Darren Edwards.
“South Australia’s investment in cutting-edge technology and business aligns with Boeing Defence Australia’s innovation culture.
“There is a clear focus here to invest in innovation, commercialise research and build global business and export opportunities.”