The Western Australian Government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) from local, national and international companies to help shape a proposed advanced defence manufacturing hub in Western Australia, with the initiative positioned as a major step in strengthening the state’s manufacturing capability and sovereign industrial base.
The proposal outlines plans for a large-scale, co-located industrial ecosystem that would bring together advanced manufacturing, innovation, logistics and supply chains within a single strategic footprint.
It is intended to support defence manufacturing capacity while also linking into allied supply chains amid growing global demand for advanced industrial production.
According to the WA Government, the EOI process is aimed at companies with established international markets and capabilities across defence manufacturing, industrial systems and enabling technologies, including sectors such as precision manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace, autonomous systems, energetics and space technologies.
Premier Roger Cook said the initiative is designed to expand Western Australia’s role in defence-related manufacturing and industrial capability.
“Western Australia is ready to play a far greater role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability,” Cook said.
“This is a call out to our most forward-thinking businesses. If you have the capability, ambition and an existing global market, we want you helping to build this precinct from the ground up.”
He added that the project is intended to support broader economic outcomes through manufacturing growth.
“This will help diversify our economy, create quality jobs for the next generation, and deliver on our plan to make more things in WA,” he said.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said the initiative is focused on attracting global companies to contribute to a sovereign capability framework and strengthen supply chains.
“This is an opportunity for companies with an international market to establish a presence in WA,” Papalia said.
“We want to attract global companies to help shape a sovereign capability that supports our allies and strengthens defence supply chains.”
He said Western Australia already has a foundation in place to support the development of the hub.
“We’re not starting from scratch, WA has the skills, the industrial base and the innovation. This EOI is about bringing it all together and building something bigger,” he said.
Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the project aligns with efforts to expand the state’s industrial capacity and diversify its economy through advanced production.
“Advanced manufacturing is a key part of diversifying WA’s economy, and this initiative has the potential to position our State as a nationally significant centre for sovereign industrial capability,” Sanderson said.
“By attracting investment, technology and collaboration we can help build a stronger manufacturing future for Western Australia.”
The EOI process will run for six weeks, with submissions set to inform planning around infrastructure, workforce development, industrial land, research partnerships and export pathways.
Expressions of interest close on 8 July.
