Defence West was established by the Western Australian Government as part of its Plan for Jobs. Its role is to grow the local defence industry and help deliver what Defence needs.
Western Australia is ready to further its significant contribution to national defence. Our State’s location is a strategic strength and serves as a gateway to the Indian Ocean region and emerging international defence markets. These include Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East. Western Australia’s defence presence, which includes HMAS Stirling, RAAF Base Pearce and Campbell Barracks, is established and well respected.
Since the 1987 implementation of the Two Ocean Policy, HMAS Stirling has emerged as the Royal Australian Navy’s major fleet base on the Indian Ocean. Up to half of the RAN’s fleet is based permanently in Western Australia, including all six of the Collins submarines.
Western Australia has the capability and capacity to enhance defence industry because our skilled workforce is competitive, flexible, resilient and adaptable.