The 2015-16 Defence SA Annual Report tabled in Parliament this week, details big year for South Australia’s defence industry, particularly in naval shipbuilding, with more exciting opportunities on the horizon for South Australia.
Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said the report highlights the importance of the defence industry for South Australia’s economic prosperity as it transitions towards a high-tech advanced manufacturing future.
Significant announcements for the year included confirmation that the $50 billion Future Submarine program and $35 billion Future Frigate program will occur at the nation’s pre-eminent naval hub, Techport Australia.
Other highlights included securing the build of the first one to two Offshore Patrol Vessels at Techport; promotion of the state’s maritime industry credentials at Pacific 2015; securing the 2016 Land Forces event for the Adelaide Convention Centre; supporting a number of international defence companies and delegates to explore investment opportunities; and participating in seven overseas defencespecific business missions.
Background
Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence matters and the nation’s only standalone state defence organisation.
It is a single point of contact for all defence stakeholders, streamlining their interaction across the South Australian Government.
Defence SA’s mission is to grow the defence industry, and strengthen the Defence Force presence in the state.
Working closely with Defence and industry, Defence SA targets investment and expansion opportunities, drives and supports the delivery of major defence projects and facilities, and pursues the location of additional Defence units and capabilities in the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith
South Australia is The Defence State and our efforts to promote and support defence activity were awarded with key naval shipbuilding programs confirmed as occurring in the state.
The last 12 months have shown a significant shift in thinking with the release of the 2016 Defence White Paper in April signaling the Australian Government’s recognition of the defence industry as a fundamental capability to Defence.
Maximum Australian industry content in Defence programs is something we have strongly advocated for over a number of years and we are doing everything possible to ensure this occurs.
We look forward to increased collaboration with the Department of Defence and industry to successfully deliver upcoming programs while remaining firmly focused on securing additional Defence activity for South Australia.