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In a Western Australian first, the Cook government will introduce legislation to Parliament to establish a new statutory authority designed to drive growth across the state’s defence sector.
The new body will see Defence West, originally created by the Labor government in 2017, transformed into an independent agency with expanded powers to boost Western Australia’s defence industries and open global opportunities for local businesses.
Premier Roger Cook said the move would be a “game changer” for the state, creating a strong, unified voice to promote WA’s defence capabilities at the national and international levels.
“Transforming Defence West into a statutory body will be a game changer for Western Australia, creating a single, powerful voice to champion our state’s defence industries at the highest levels,” Premier Cook said.
“This new independent agency will unlock opportunities for local businesses and help position WA as the destination of choice for defence manufacturing. Through our Made in WA plan, we’re building more here at home, creating good jobs for Western Australians and diversifying our economy to keep it the strongest in the nation.”
Once established, the new agency will serve as the central point of contact for the Australian Department of Defence, signalling to Canberra, industry leaders and global partners that the Western Australian government is prioritising the state’s role in the national defence framework.
Defence West will also be empowered to enter into business arrangements and deliver targeted industry support with appropriate approvals to strengthen WA’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia CSC said the shift marks a major milestone for the state’s growing defence economy.
“For the first time, Western Australia will have a dedicated statutory body driving growth in the defence sector like never before,” Minister Papalia said.
The timing of the announcement comes as WA prepares for a surge in defence activity tied to AUKUS. From 2027, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom will begin operating from HMAS Stirling at Garden Island as part of the Submarine Rotational Force - West (SRF-West), before Australia acquires its own sovereign capability in 2032.
“The huge uplift in defence spending around the world, including through AUKUS and the Henderson Defence Precinct, presents once-in-a-generation opportunities – and Defence West will ensure WA is ready to seize them,” Minister Papalia said.
The announcement follows the federal government’s $12 billion investment to expand the Henderson Defence Precinct, set to become the largest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere and a key AUKUS asset in the Indo-Pacific.
Defence West’s restructured authority is expected to be fully operational by 2027, just in time for SRF-West’s arrival.
“Our goal is to see WA’s defence sector grow into the state’s next major industry, second only to resources,” Minister Papalia said.
