WorkSec establishes national defence security hub at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen

Located in the heart of Adelaide’s innovation district, Lot Fourteen has emerged as a focal point for defence, space, cyber and advanced technology organisations, providing WorkSec with direct access to the companies, institutions and government stakeholders driving Australia’s next generation of defence capability programs.

The decision comes amid unprecedented investment in Australia’s national security and defence sectors, with the federal government committing more than $425 billion towards defence and resilience initiatives over the coming decade.

South Australia has become a major beneficiary of that investment, with the state hosting key projects, including the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, the Hunter Class frigate build and a growing range of sovereign cyber and space initiatives.

WorkSec managing director and chief security officer Stuart Rainsford said the company’s presence at Lot Fourteen places it at the centre of the organisations that depend on secure personnel and robust security governance frameworks.

“The work we do is fundamentally about connecting cleared personnel with the projects and organisations that rely on them,” Rainsford said.

“Being based at Lot Fourteen allows us to work more closely with defence primes, SMEs, researchers and government agencies, helping strengthen the security foundations that support Australia’s defence industry.”

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The precinct is home to more than 160 organisations, including the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, the Defence and Space Landing Pad and the Australian Defence Technologies Academy. It also sits within easy reach of the Osborne Naval Shipyard, where construction activities associated with the AUKUS submarine and Hunter Class frigate programs are taking shape.

According to WorkSec, proximity to major defence projects and industry stakeholders improves the delivery of services, including security clearance sponsorship, personnel security governance, compliance support and security awareness programs.

The company said its Adelaide base enables closer engagement with both major defence contractors and the network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) that form the backbone of Australia’s defence supply chain.

WorkSec’s growing national profile has also been reflected through its involvement across the defence industry event circuit. In 2026, the company became the national lanyard sponsor for all Australian Defence Magazine and Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) events, including the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth, Alliance SA in Adelaide and a range of ADM events held throughout Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The initiative follows the strategic partnership announced between WorkSec and AIDN earlier this year, aimed at supporting Australian SMEs operating across the defence sector.

WorkSec said the establishment of its Lot Fourteen hub will provide clients with faster access to on-site support while strengthening relationships with organisations across South Australia’s defence, technology and research communities.

The company views the move as a long-term commitment to Australia’s sovereign capability agenda, positioning itself alongside the organisations delivering the nation’s future defence and security programs.

While Adelaide will serve as WorkSec’s primary operational centre, the company continues to maintain a distributed workforce across Australia, supporting defence and security clients in key industry hubs nationwide.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.