The Australian Government has announced a significant investment of $12 billion into a new Defence Precinct in Henderson, Western Australia. This funding, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to unveil on October 1, 2023, aims to enhance naval shipbuilding capabilities and support the AUKUS partnership. The precinct will serve as a critical site for continuous shipbuilding and the maintenance of Australia’s naval fleet.
Located near HMAS Stirling, Henderson is a key industrial area that supports various sectors, including defence and marine industries. During the announcement, Albanese emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering Australia’s defence capabilities, highlighting that the new precinct is expected to create over 10,000 local jobs. “There is no greater honour than serving our country in our nation’s uniform, and my Government is dedicated to investing in the defence capabilities our nation requires,” he stated.
This recent funding builds on a previous commitment of $127 million to establish the Defence Precinct, which is recognized as a national strategic asset vital for ensuring national security. The total cost for the precinct is projected to reach approximately $25 billion over the next decade, laying a foundation for constructing essential surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force. These include the Army’s landing craft and general purpose frigates.
Strategic Importance of the Defence Precinct
The new Defence Precinct will feature facilities designed to maintain Australia’s surface combatant fleet and provide contingency docking capabilities for a conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine fleet, expected to be in operation by 2030. This infrastructure is crucial for the AUKUS agreement, particularly in preparing for Australia’s acquisition of the Virginia-class submarine in the early 2030s.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles joined Albanese in the announcement, reiterating the government’s focus on increasing defence spending to meet Australia’s capability needs. “Henderson will be critical to Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway,” Marles noted.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy also remarked on the importance of Western Australia in delivering capabilities for the Australian Defence Force. He stated, “The consolidation of the Henderson precinct will be a significant boost for the defence industry in the West. It will support around 10,000 highly skilled, well-paid jobs over the next two decades, helping people across Western Australia build great futures for themselves and their families.”
The announcement underscores the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Australia’s defence infrastructure and capabilities in response to evolving global security challenges. Through this substantial investment, the government aims to ensure that Australia remains well-equipped to meet its defence commitments both domestically and internationally.
