Strategy

South Australia has a clear direction for the future of Defence in this state – to grow Defence presence and sustainable Defence industries. 

The state’s defence key performance indicators are embedded in South Australia’s Strategic Plan, formalising its commitment to:

  • increase Defence and defence industry employment to 37,000 people and annual contribution to our economy to $2.5 billion by 2020 (proposed T42)

In addition, Defence SA is Australia’s only state-based dedicated agency for all defence-related matters. Defence SA leads the state’s defence industry efforts, offering focused and responsive service to defence and defence industry to drive the sector’s growth in South Australia and to support the delivery of key defence projects and facilities.

The state’s defence activities are assisted by the Defence SA Advisory Board, which is comprised of Australia’s very best defence and industry minds, and serves as South Australia’s focal point for high-level strategy and policy advice.

South Australia is resolutely committed to achieving the right climate for further growth of the defence industry and sustainability, in particular:

  • a holistic state approach to build and sustain the defence industry skills base
  • greater South Australian participation in defence export initiatives
  • improved linkages between defence firms, education and research institutions

Key Projects 2010-11

South Australia is focused on a range of key projects across all sectors in 2010-11.

Maritime

Techport Australia, the nation’s premier naval shipbuilding hub, is now operational. The State Government is seeking to maximise use of this infrastructure, including attracting further occupiers to the precinct, and commercial use of the Common User Facility where capacity exists around the Air Warfare Destroyer program. 

Securing early opportunities out of the Future Submarine program is also a key focus. As is ensuring that the spotlight remains on national shipbuilding procurement reforms to ensure value for money outcomes and industry sustainability.

Land

As part of its goal to increase its Australian Defence Force presence, the State Government is actively supporting Army’s efforts to transition 7RAR Battle Group personnel and their families to South Australia. Attracting additional military vehicle work to the state and supporting Defence’s planned major expansion of the Cultana Training Area are also key areas of focus.

Aerospace

The State Government is supporting local advanced aerospace component manufacturers become internationally competitive suppliers. It is also seeking to capitalise on existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, and is working with key stakeholders to determine market opportunities in the space sector.

Systems

The State Government is working with anchor tenants Defence Systems Integration – Technical Advisory and Defence Systems Innovation Centre to build a systems hub at Technology Park Adelaide. Combined with the attraction of further key target companies, this will reinforce South Australia’s position at the forefront of network-centric warfare, defence electronics and systems integration. It is also focused on leveraging its existing portfolio of defence training and test areas to attract joint and combined exercises.

Defence State

South Australia is delivering a pipeline of skills to support defence industry’s long term needs. In addition to supporting initiatives being pursued under the new industry-led five year Defence Industry Workforce Action Plan, the State Government is progressing a Maths and Science Strategy and supporting a range of higher education initiatives.

The State Government continues to pursue infrastructure initiatives to unlock industrial land required for defence industry’s growth, in particular around the three defence precincts of Techport Australia, Technology Park Adelaide and the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

Retaining the state’s competitive position in relation to defence innovation remains a priority and is being addressed via continued funding through the Premier’s Science and Research Fund, the development of a defence systems alliance under the Constellation SA Framework, and through ongoing dialogue with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The State Government is also working with the Defence Export Unit and the Defence Teaming Centre to ensure that South Australian firms gain greater access into global supply chains, particularly for relevant international programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter project.

Five Year Focus

South Australia is focused on achieving the following goals over the next five years:

Maritime

  • Techport Australia recognised and sustained as the nation’s naval ship and submarine consolidation hub
  • Successful delivery of State Government Air Warfare Destroyer program support packages

Land

  • Additional Australian Defence Force elements permanently based in South Australia
  • Land vehicle fabrication and support established in South Australia
  • Successful delivery of State Government support for relocation of the 7RAR Battle Group

Aerospace

  • Increased share of military and commercial aircraft components market
  • Australia’s airborne surveillance and reconnaissance support capability sustained and developed in South Australia
  • Increased share of future space domain market activities

Systems

  • South Australia established as the centre of expertise for military electronic systems
  • Joint and combined military training environment established in South Australia and used by ADF and allied forces