South Australia has released its Government Defence Strategy: 2030 which outlines the means by which the state can accelerate defence investment, create export opportunities and grow its highly-skilled defence workforce.
Defence and Space Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith launched the new 13-year defence plan at the Adelaide office of Boeing Defence Australia, which has grown its workforce at an accelerated rate since signing a partnership agreement with the state government in April 2017.
Minister Hamilton-Smith said the strategy provides a clear direction to invest in SA’s defence future and build a strong and capable workforce.
“South Australia continues to be at the forefront of innovation, cutting-edge technology and defence capabilities, and this strategy ensures we maintain our competitive edge in new growth areas.”
According to the Minister, Boeing is a “terrific example” of the high-tech companies SA wanted to attract.
The company is on track to create 250 jobs by the end of 2021, with 60 staff currently “developing technologically advanced, innovative and sustainable defence capability for the state”, according to Hamilton-Smith.
The revised strategy follows a comprehensive review of the state’s defence priorities, prompted by major policy and project announcements in the sector.