The need for clarity and certainty going forward were key themes to emerge from CCIWA’s Defence Forum.
The revived forum, last held as the Defence Industry Council in 2019, was well attended by a broad cross section of industry sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, construction, shipbuilding, asset maintenance and management, tertiary education and local government.
Defence opportunities are a key tenant of a diversified WA, yet barriers related to infrastructure and capability gaps are holding WA back from being a powerhouse defence State.
The discussion focused on infrastructure needs and capability gaps, with roundtable attendees highlighting the need for clarity and certainty on government priorities now.
Infrastructure shortfalls threaten defence growth
Industry is still waiting for the Federal Government to provide a clear plan for the Australian Marine Complex (AMC), and other defence infrastructure so that WA can meet naval and allied national fleets maintenance requirements.
Key to the discussion was the importance of the AMC and the ecosystem of small businesses across WA’s industrial precincts.
The discussion also highlighted that investment is needed in research facilities and innovation hubs, with issues around bureaucracy hindering funding and location decisions.
Investment in social infrastructure like housing, health, education and transport was also raised as a prominent issue, as about 2,000 personnel and their families are due to come to Perth to crew and maintain the AUKUS submarines from 2027.
“It’s all about supply – there is not enough land coming, not enough supply which is obviously increasing pressure,” one attendee said.
“There are also huge issues around [road] access between HMAS Stirling and Henderson.”
High costs, complex accreditation processes and a lack of communication from Defence were also key barriers to developing industry capability.
Workforce challenges and union concerns
Workforce need was highlighted as another major challenge. Many businesses conceded that overseas migration would be critical to growing local workforces, but this would be “a drop in the ocean” of what’s required.
Attendees were also very concerned about union rhetoric and activity, which, if enacted, would fundamentally alter the AMC ecosystem, and make it impossible to deliver the Government’s defence vision and priorities.
The forum confirmed that CCIWA needs to be a leading voice championing WA’s defence industry and associated sectors in WA and Canberra.
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