The Albanese Government has announced plans to establish a Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard, a move that will support billions of dollars of investment in defence capabilities and create approximately 10,000 high-skilled local jobs over the next two decades.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the initiative as “a game changer for WA industry,” highlighting its potential to bolster both jobs and defence infrastructure in the region.
“Henderson already plays a critical role in the delivery and sustainment of Australian Defence Force capabilities, and this will see the important role of WA industry grow further.”
The new Defence Precinct is set to support continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia, which includes the construction of new landing craft for the Australian Army and new general-purpose frigates for the Navy.
These developments are vital to enhancing the Defence Force’s ability to respond to the country’s evolving strategic circumstances.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles underscored the significance of the investment, calling it “the most consequential defence investment in Western Australia in nearly four decades.”
Marles added that the precinct will “optimise Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway.”
In addition to shipbuilding, the Henderson precinct will become the hub for depot-level maintenance of Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, a key component of the AUKUS agreement.
This maintenance capability alone is expected to create 3,000 jobs, with further employment opportunities arising from the precinct’s construction and the continuous naval shipbuilding projects in the region.
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, highlighted the local impact, noting that the consolidation of the Henderson precinct would provide “generational benefits for locals who play a vital role in keeping Australia safe.” He also emphasised the creation of high-skilled jobs, stating,
“This investment by the Albanese Government ensures a future made in Australia.”
The establishment of the Defence Precinct is backed by an initial investment of $127 million over three years to support planning, consultations, and preliminary design work. This forms part of a wider strategic partnership with Austal Limited and is aligned with Australia’s long-term defence goals under AUKUS.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook welcomed the announcement, calling it “momentous” and a “win-win” for both the state and the nation. “This massive investment delivers on my Government’s mission to develop and diversify our State’s economy by providing another economic pathway for decades to follow,” he said.
Similarly, WA Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia hailed the investment as transformative. “This historic agreement will result in generations of jobs and diversify the economy like never before,” he said, describing Western Australia’s emerging role as a “defence powerhouse.”
The initiative also builds on the Albanese Government’s $8 billion commitment to expand HMAS Stirling, positioning Western Australia at the heart of the nation’s future defence capabilities.
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