Minister for Defence - Minister meets with Western Australian Defence Industry Council

The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today met with the Western Australian Defence Industry Council to discuss the opportunities for local industry in the delivery of the plans outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper.

The Minister met with a number of large and small Defence industry businesses and state and local government representatives to discuss how they can work with Defence and the Federal Government to deliver the innovative solutions the Australian Defence Force requires.

“This is but one of many conversations I will have with the defence sector around the country to ensure industry knows what Defence requires, and Defence knows what industry can deliver,’’ Minister Payne said.

“Western Australian industry is already fulfilling an important role in supporting the security of Australia and around $2.4 billion will be invested in upgrading Defence facilities in WA over the next decade.’’

Through the initiatives outlined in the Defence Industry Policy Statement, the Turnbull Government will invest $1.6 billion over 10 years to build industry skills, drive competitiveness and export potential while harnessing Australian innovation and expertise.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to resetting the relationship between Defence and Industry in order to maximise its competitiveness and innovation potential,’’ Minister Payne said.

The Minister today also visited communication and electronics provider L-3 Oceania in Fremantle, which is developing an innovative wireless underwater communications network.

“The Government is negotiating a contract to invest a further $2.1 million in this innovative technology, which has the potential to extend underwater communications for a range of Defence platforms, bringing our total investment in the program to $8.1 million,’’ Minster Payne said.

“L-3 Oceania is another great example of Australian industry working with Defence to deliver world leading technology,’’ Minister Payne said.

The Western Australian Defence Council was formed as part of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia with a key focus of bringing representatives of WA’s defence industry together to work with Federal and State Governments.

Media contacts:

Henry Budd (Minister Payne's office) 0429 531 143

Defence Media (02) 6127 1999