Matt Thistlethwaite: WA will play key role in Australia’s modern defence force

The Albanese Government’s plan to build a modern Australian Defence Force could not come at a more pressing time. As we face the most challenging strategic circumstances since World War II, we need to ensure we are investing in our future security. And WA is playing a pivotal role in securing Australia’s future. Guided by the Defence Strategic Review, we’re prioritising transformative initiatives that will not only enhance our national defence capabilities but will also drive economic prosperity, especially within WA. The people of the ADF are our most important capability. That’s why the Government has introduced new recruitment and retention initiatives to bolster our ADF. To attract and retain a highly skilled workforce in the ADF, we are investing in professional development and providing more support for members’ housing, their partners careers and their kids’ education. The Government is investing in new defence housing in areas such as Rockingham to provide quality accommodation for the growing number of naval personnel and their families that will be working at Fleet Base West and Henderson to support Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program and our enhanced surface fleet plans. This important housing project will create hundreds of jobs in the local community and support many local small to medium-sized businesses. The Government is investing in new technology to enhance the power of the ADF. The acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines will be the biggest leap in military capability and one of the most ambitious industrial endeavours in our nation’s history. HMAS Stirling will be at the forefront of our plan to develop this enhanced subsea capability with the first nuclear-powered submarines operating from and being serviced from Fleet Base West. Among our top priorities is the revitalisation of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet. This ambitious program promises to deliver a force defined by enhanced lethality and resilience, safeguarding our maritime interests. To ensure this vision is realised, the Albanese Government has allocated an additional $11.1 billion over the next decade to fund Australia’s enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet. We have made the difficult decisions required to ensure the new surface fleet is properly funded and accelerated to meet our strategic needs. WA will be the primary location for designing, building and sustaining vessels for the navy. The revitalisation of the Henderson Shipyard is a cornerstone of this effort and central to our Government’s commitment to ensuring continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia. In line with the DSR’s recommendations, consolidation of the Henderson is under way. Successful and timely consolidation will pave the way for local construction of eight new general-purpose frigates and enabling a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels. These advancements, coupled with other projects under way, are expected to create at least 1200 new local jobs in the next decade — a major boost for the State’s workforce and economy. The Albanese Government is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a continuous naval shipbuilding program centred in WA. By providing West Australian shipbuilders with a clear pipeline of work, we foster the confidence necessary for them to invest in their workforce, enhance technological capabilities, and drive innovation. The Government is upgrading important defence bases, particularly in the north of Australia to enhance the posture and preparedness of our national defence. We are investing in better infrastructure and facilities at RAAF Base Curtin near Derby, RAAF Base Learmonth near Exmouth and important communication facilities in the west. These projects will support many small businesses, including indigenous businesses, in regional WA and provide more training and job opportunities across the north. The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the capabilities needed to ensure the Australian Defence Force has the capability it needs to keep Australians safe. Matt Thistlethwaite is the Assistant Minister for Defence.