ANALYSIS
WEST COAST DEFENCE
STATE OF THE DEFENCE SECTOR IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2021-22 By Thomas Hage, Defence Writer,
WA DEFENCE REVIEW
&
Serge DeSilvaRanasinghe, Managing Editor,
WA DEFENCE REVIEW
Since last year’s edition of the WA DEFENCE REVIEW Annual Publication was released the Western Australian defence sector has seen a number of major developments. As a consequence of ongoing federal and state government policies and investment, the local defence sector has continued to experience growth, underpinned by a growing awareness of the west’s vital geo-strategic role.
FORCE POSTURE, ESTATE & INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE Precipitated by escalating geo-political rivalry, Australia is facing major challenges to its national security. Perhaps the most significant response yet has been the establishment of the historic AUKUS pact with the US and the UK, with the resulting cancellation by the Australian Government of the conventionally powered French Attack-class submarine contract. Through AUKUS, Australia now plans to acquire up to eight nuclear-powered submarines, which is demonstrative of how the government is crafting a response to what it sees as the rise of an increasingly assertive and militarised China. The contents of the 2020 Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan make plain the scale of the real and perceived threat posed to Australia and the resources being invested to counter them. Notably, the strategic update emphasises that the 2020-21 Defence budget of $42.2bn is forecast to nearly double to $73.7bn by 2029-30, and estimates that cumulative Defence spending over the next decade will amount to a staggering $575bn. As the WA Governor, and former Defence Minister, Kim Beazley recently made clear, “More and more focus will come on to Western Australia, our strategic concerns, and our strategic geography.” Hence, as regional tensions manifest, the Australian Defence Force presence in WA is slated to grow in size and capabilities. For instance, RAAF infrastructure in WA has progressively upgraded in the last few years to accommodate the introduction of new fleet assets such as P8-A Poseidon, F-35A Lightning II and C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The most recent and notable instance is the April 2021 announcement by Defence that RAAF Base Gingin – an important satellite air strip used extensively for training - will receive a $7.7m airfield upgrade for maintenance works, aircraft
62
EDITION 4 • 2021-22
pavement and aeronautical ground lighting works. The contract was awarded to New Zealand-based firm Fulton Hogan. The situation however is different for the Australian Army in WA, which is now witnessing a resurgence in importance. In December 2020, the Army Force Structure Implementation Plan was released with the intent of markedly strengthening its profile and capabilities in WA. On top of a major refurbishment of Campbell Barracks that was completed last year, the home base of the Special Air Service Regiment which is the only regular army unit in WA, is undergoing further modernisation. As part of LAND 121 Stage 5B the unit’s home base at Campbell Barracks will receive a $34m upgrade of its vehicle workshops, hard-stands and shelters. Lendlease has been selected as the prime contractor. Defence is also implementing plans to strengthen the 13th Brigade, an army reserve formation, to better support the ADF on an array of current and future domestic and overseas missions. In a major development in the sphere of workforce generation, commencing in 2022 the numbers of regular personnel posted to the 13th Brigade will increase. This will be enabled by transfer options from the army reserve, participation in the gap year program, and eventually, direct recruiting. The 13th Brigade is also focusing on boosting its talent pool through shared workforce initiatives with industry partners like BHP. The re-establishment of the 10th Light Horse to the status of a ‘regiment’ in October 2021, in concert with raising a regimental headquarters and a new cavalry sub-unit (B Squadron), was a symbolically important step in realising the army’s new ambition for the west. Importantly, the 10th Light Horse Regiment has been equipped with 10 PMV-L Hawkei vehicles and will be equipped with additional PMV-M Bushmaster vehicles to strengthen its capabilities. It will receive Boxer CRV simulation and training equipment, to ensure the unit’s integration with other cavalry force elements as required.
