Defence industry—AUKUS—Infrastructure
28. Hon Sophia Moermond to the minister representing the Minister for Defence Industries:
I refer to the Made in WA plan that will see defence become the state's second-largest industry and acknowledge the plan to help local businesses build links with the US industry. I also acknowledge that the global economic climate is currently undergoing a period of uncertainty.
(1) What support is being provided to ensure that small and medium-sized WA businesses can compete for opportunities arising from international defence partnerships?
(2) Has there been any change to the approach in building a relationship between WA and US defence industries in the wake of the changing economic climate?
Hon Samantha Rowe replied:
I thank the honourable member for notice of this question. I answer on behalf of the minister representing. The following information has been provided by the Minister for Defence Industries.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation advises the following.
(1) The WA Labor government's Defence Ready Initiative provides a maximum of $20,000 per applicant to enhance their capability and capacity and competitiveness to participate in defence industry. The Made in WA plan expands the funding by $2 million, for an AUKUS-ready program ensuring we will have even greater capacity and support to assist Western Australian businesses to participate in defence partnerships.
(2) Yes. The Minister for Defence Industries led a delegation of WA Defence SMEs to the United States between 31 March and 7 April for direct meetings with US Congressional representations, Defence times, the Australian Embassy and political think tank executives to enlist assistance in promoting the interests of WA defence industry.
