Western Australia has a long and proud history of supporting our national security and Defence. We understand our strengths and potential, and champion the interests of WA's outstanding defence industry and capabilities.
About Defence West
We are part of the team at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the primary Western Australian Government agency responsible for strengthening and diversifying the economy, and creating jobs.
We work to grow the sector, expand infrastructure, create jobs and deliver what Defence needs. We work across Defence’s 5 operational domains: Information and Cyber; Maritime; Air; Space; and Land.
Our people are specialised and deliver the following services:
- Defence Science Centre
- Defence Industry development
- Defence infrastructure
- Skilling, training and workforce
- Veterans issues
Building Western Australia's Defence Industry – Australian Marine Complex (AMC) Infrastructure Strategy
The WA Government has developed the “Building Western Australia's Defence Industry – Australian Marine Complex (AMC) Infrastructure Strategy”, which outlines the State’s plan to attract more Defence work to the AMC to provide local industry opportunities, create jobs and diversify the economy.
Mission update
This provides an update on the implementation of the WA Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan, what we have achieved and the next steps to reach our mission.
Defence West Mission update 2020
Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan
WA’s Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan provides direction across 6 key strategies to ensure WA is able to be a key player in the national and international defence industry:
- Supporting a strong and enduring defence presence.
- Growing WA's defence industry capability and contribution.
- Developing strategic infrastructure.
- Building research and innovation partnerships.
- Advancing education, training and skilling.
- Supporting veterans and their families.
Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan
Defence capability
We have created an online Directory of Defence Industry Capability that showcases how WA businesses and industries have the capacity and expertise to deliver across Defence’s 5 operational domains.
Defence West delivers many services:
Defence Science Centre
Show moreThe Defence Science Centre supports the commercialisation of defence-related research and cultivate a competitive, local defence industry that will diversify and strengthen WA's economy, and create new jobs.
Visit the Defence Science Centre for more information.
Defence industry development
Show moreWe collaborate nationally and internationally to generate partnership opportunities that will benefit our WA defence industry. We implement a number of initiatives to support businesses to increase their capacity and competitiveness and enable them to better contribute to Defence programs.
Defence infrastructure
Show moreThe Department has developed the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) Strategic Infrastructure and Land Use Plan (SILUP) to guide the future development of the AMC to meet the needs of the defence, marine and resources sector.
Alongside the SILUP, the WA Government has developed the “Building Western Australia's Defence Industry – Australian Marine Complex Infrastructure Strategy”, which outlines the State’s plan to attract more Defence work to the AMC to provide local industry opportunities, create jobs and diversify the economy.
Read more about the Australian Marine Complex Strategic Infrastructure and Land Use Plan.(SILUP)
Skilling, training and workforce
Show more
$18 million package to build defence manufacturing workforce
In September 2020, the WA Government announced an $18 million package of workforce investment to build the pipeline of skilled workers in Western Australia to attract national defence maritime projects. This workforce investment will help provide the skilled workers needed to support upcoming defence projects and secure future defence work.
More information on the package can be found at Jobs and Skills Website.
Veterans issues
Show moreThe Veterans Office develops policies and initiatives that support the veteran community, promote the wellbeing of WA veterans, commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel, and establish WA as a state that welcomes and supports veterans and their families.
Visit the Veterans issues page for more information.
Commonwealth and Western Australian Defence Sector Grants and Funding
Show moreAnnouncements
Construction underway at the Australian Marine Complex
New funding round for collaborative defence research projects
