Linkedin
Facebook
Email
more
AUTHOR
The launch of the WA Government’s Defence and Defence Industry Strategy 2025 is an important milestone for the WA defence sector.
The strategy sets a vision for 2040 and signposts a range of opportunities for the industry.
As WA looks forward, it is helpful to reflect on not only what has been achieved since the 2018 Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries strategic plan, but also what has changed in the strategic environment.
We have seen the creation of a Defence Industry ministerial portfolio and the inception of Defence West along with the appointment of a WA defence advocate, retired Rear Admiral Philip Spedding. These all speak to the focus of government on this important industry and on ensuring that WA’s voice is heard.
And of course, ‘the submarine in the room’, AUKUS. Whilst Pillar 1 continues to grab the headlines, Pillar 2 and the advanced technical cooperation that it enables, arguably represents the more immediate opportunity for WA by unlocking the ability to participate in the supply chains of both UK and US platforms, as well as those of other nations such as Japan and South Korea should they choose to join.
To capture these opportunities, WA businesses will need to invest in their workforce and build out the industrial capabilities needed.
“Our state is set to become home to the largest naval shipbuilding and sustainment location in the southern hemisphere, and we will need thousands of skilled workers to support its operations."
Premier Roger Cook – January 2025
Small to medium enterprises can leverage funding from the Federal Government’s Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) program to share the costs of these investments. 
The DIDG Program seeks to build Australia’s sovereign defence capability across seven priorities:
- Defence aircraft maintenance, repair and upgrade;
- Naval shipbuilding;
- Sustainment and enhancement of the combined-arms land system;
- Guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions manufacturing;
- Autonomous systems;
- Battlespace awareness and management systems; and
- Test and evaluation, certification and systems assurance.
Grants fall under four streams, with the largest being the Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream which offers grants of up to $1 million for purchasing plant and equipment. The three other streams include the Skilling Stream for staff training, the Exports Stream for overcoming barriers to export and the Security Stream which assists with establishing and maintaining security accreditation and controls such as the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
Other funding sources to note include the Industry Growth Program and the Cooperative Research Centres Project grants for small to medium enterprises developing innovative technologies.
One fact of life is that competition for grants is fierce, often with only the top five to ten percent of applications awarded funding. Success will be enjoyed by those that can craft a compelling, fact-based narrative around their project to demonstrate strong alignment to government objectives.
Having an expert in your corner throughout the grant life-cycle is vital. RSM’s dedicated Government Grants practice are with you every step of the way.
We develop grant funding strategies highlighting current and forecast funding opportunities, tailored to your needs, based on an in-depth understanding of your business.
We manage the end-to-end application process ensuring that your project’s strengths are clearly narrated, and that you meet all requirements.
Our support does not end when the application is submitted – we can help you navigate funding agreement negotiations and acquittals.
Our track record speaks for itself, with $95 million in funding secured in the last 12 months alone. Feel free to reach out to discuss grant opportunities for your business.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to learn more about the topics discussed in this article, please contact Edward Day.
