Marshall reveals top targets to reinforce SA’s defence sector
The Premier say he will target three priority areas to draw nearly 10,000 hi-tech jobs to SA.
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South Australia’s burgeoning multibillion-dollar defence industry will create thousands of new jobs and pump an extra $1.5bn into the economy over the next decade under plans revealed in an official government blueprint.
The State Government’s new defence sector strategy outlines eight “priority” areas to boost the industry to more than $4bn a year and grow its 11,000 jobs over the next 10 years.
Launching the strategy at Holden Hill firm Supashock Advanced Technologies, Premier Steven Marshall outlined his government plans to create more than 20,000 jobs by 2030 and an annual growth rate of at least 4.5 per cent.
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Based on the projected growth, described as “conservative”, officials said it would grow to at least $4bn.
The 18-page blueprint names the top three priorities as naval shipbuilding, information warfare and an improved “business climate” that supports local industry in boosting exports and global supply chains.
It will also focus on boosting trade, workforce skills, research and development as well as infrastructure.
“We are the defence state here,” Mr Marshall said.
“This plan is all about jobs.”
Defence SA chairman Sir Angus Houston said the growth targets were realistic as “deeply impressive” firms grew.
“I think there will be an uptick in defence activity,” Sir Angus, a former Australian Defence Force chief, said.
“There will be a lot of ADF activity that will end up in the state.”
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