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The Cook government has signed a new agreement with BlueForge Alliance Australia Limited, forging an international partnership aimed at growing Western Australia’s defence industry and workforce in support of the AUKUS security partnership.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will help expand local defence manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen WA’s role in the global defence supply chain. Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia CSC MLA represented the state at the signing.
BlueForge Alliance Australia Limited (BFAA) is the independent Australian affiliate of the US-based BlueForge Alliance (BFA), a not-for-profit organisation that works with the US Navy to strengthen the American maritime industrial base through advanced manufacturing, supply chain optimisation and workforce development.
Defence West and the Department of Training and Workforce Development will collaborate with BFAA to identify opportunities for local businesses, education providers and industry to participate in national initiatives and benefit from BFAA’s expertise in small and medium enterprises (SME) growth and innovation.
Minister Papalia said the agreement demonstrated the Cook government’s commitment to ensuring WA was ready to play a leading role in the AUKUS partnership.
“Through this partnership with BlueForge Alliance, we’re strengthening the connection between industry, training and education – ensuring Western Australians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed for the future of defence,” Minister Papalia said.
“WA is already home to a world-class defence industry, and this collaboration will help create more defence manufacturing jobs and further diversify our economy.”
Skills and TAFE and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the partnership would deliver long-term benefits for the state’s workforce and industry.
“The MOU with BlueForge Alliance Australia will generate more skilled jobs and business opportunities for Western Australians,” Minister Sanderson said.
“The Cook government is investing heavily in training and workforce development to ensure our workers and businesses are ready for the defence-related work that will flow from this and other partnerships.
“WA’s central role in AUKUS and our future as a defence industry hub will support decades of work and drive greater economic diversification.”
Under the MOU, the partnership will connect WA’s local industry and training sectors with international defence programs, enabling greater participation of SMEs in global supply chains.
The agreement will also focus on building the skilled workforce required to deliver AUKUS-related programs, including future submarine and maritime projects.
