The inaugural ADM Western Australia Defence Forum was held in Rockingham, WA on Tuesday, with over 200 delegates in attendance.
The focus of the Forum was on creating sovereign maritime capability in the West, upgrading and maintaining defence estate and infrastructure, and fostering a stronger local Defence industry.
Following a rousing Welcome to Country, opening remarks from the day’s Chair – Rodney Brown of ALARP Solutions – Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy delivered a pre-recorded address to delegates.
“This forum is taking place at an important time. 2023 is going to be a big year for defence and for the defence industry,” Minister Conroy said. “The Defence Strategic Review report has been handed to the government and we are currently considering its recommendations. Our response will ensure Defence has the right capabilities in the right places to meet the growing strategic challenges that we face in our region today and the years ahead.
“When I visited Henderson in November last year, I met some incredibly talented and capable trainees and apprentices. They go to work each day proud to be making a contribution to our national security through their work in defence industry,” Minister Conroy continued. “I assured them, as I can assure you today, that the future of Defence being planned by the Albanese government will mean much more investment in Western Australia in defence industry.”
CDRE Ivan Ingham of the RAN gave a keynote presentation on Horizon 3 of Plan Galileo, a new sustainment model for the RAN; on how Regional Maintenance Centre West will conduct performance analysis to continuously improve sustainment; and how local industry can get involved.
“As I step onto the various bases, I do so conscious of the partnership with industry here in WA, from the construction businesses who built the many facilities to the businesses who maintain them,” CDRE Ingham said. “And to the specialist engineers, scientists, and technology businesses who help to support and maintain our many, many capabilities within this state.
“In my view, that partnership will strengthen immeasurably going forward.”
Brigadier Brett Chaloner, Commander of 13 Brigade, then spoke to the importance of WA to the ADF, and how industry can partner with the Brigade, followed by a panel discussion involving: Andrew Benn, Director Defence Major Projects, WSP; Gerry Matera, Founder, Indigenous Defence Services; and Matthew Theoharous, Executive General Manager, Lendlease, on the challenges involved in delivering major defence projects.
Delegates also heard from: LTCOL Adam Bryden, Commanding Officer, Pilbara Regiment; Warren Farrow, General Manager Critical Infrastructure for Ventia; Sharon Wilson, Continuous Naval Shipbuilding Director for BAE Systems; and many more.
ADM looks forward to returning the WA Defence Forum in 2024.