Australia’s defence sector, including the consultants who support it, are looking forward to the future following unprecedented investment, including around $22 billion in built infrastructure. 

As volatile geopolitical dynamics evolve rapidly, Australia's defence posture, preparedness and capability must respond accordingly. 

In April, Minister for Defence Richard Marles released the Integrated Investment Program, which outlines a planned $330 billion investment in defence over the next decade, marking “a significant lift” in funding. This includes up to $22 billion in built infrastructure.

“The ‘why’ of investment was defined with the release of the federal government’s National Defence Strategy in April. We face the most strategically complex environment since the Second World War,” says Consult Australia’s new Defence Manager, Matt Williams.

“The Integrated Investment Program articulates the ‘how’ we should respond by setting out the specific defence capabilities the government will invest in to give effect to the National Defence Strategy. It provides a generational uplift in Defence’s capabilities.”

Major infrastructure investments and commitments include significant upgrades to training institutions in southern Australia, funding for national programs to maintain and upgrade Defence's airfields and maritime infrastructure. There is also significant investment slated for northern base infrastructure such as RAAF bases in Darwin, Townsville and Learmonth in Western Australia. 

Strategic submarine program supports business growth

The AUKUS nuclear submarine program – an unprecedented tripartite defence relationship between Australia, the United Kingdom and United States – brings unique infrastructure and assets to naval bases around Australia. Significant capital works in the next few years will be in South Australia and Western Australia, where the submarines will be built and based.

HMAS Stirling near Perth, will be expanded to support the scale of infrastructure required for nuclear-powered submarines. The Australian Government will invest up to $8 billion over the next decade to expand HMAS Stirling, including wharf upgrades, logistics and training facilities. 

Supporting infrastructure is also ramping up at the Osborne shipyard near Adelaide in preparation for the nuclear submarine build.

“We are pleased to see a number of Consult Australia members already being contracted to provide the engineering and design for Australian Naval Infrastructure’s Osborne shipyard as well as numerous other defence infrastructure projects around Australia,” Matt says. “This is a sign of the business opportunities that lie ahead.”

Consult Australia’s defence sector initiatives and advocacy

With the increased investment comes new challenges to meet the demands of the client, the Department of Defence. Consult Australia’s defence sector members are working together to improve collaboration in delivery, Matt says. 

“Consult Australia will continue to advocate on behalf of our members to raise issues and concerns with defence procurement and contracts. We have well-established forums and channels of engagement with Defence, notably the quarterly Defence Collab Industry meetings and Collab X.” 

Heading towards its fourth year in February 2025, Collab X is a powerhouse of in-person collaboration between Consult Australia’s members, other industry representatives and Australia’s Defence’s Security and Estate Group and the Capital Facilities and Infrastructure branch. 

“Members who attend Collab X tell us they gain a much deeper understanding of Defence strategy and where their future work will come from, which is essential to industry confidence.”

The recommendations of the Defence Estate Audit, expected later in 2024, is another major report of interest for Consult Australia members, Matt adds. 

“Our members are looking forward to the timely rollout of the capital works program, and to collaborating with the Department of Defence to deliver critical infrastructure projects that advance Australia's defence capabilities.”

For further information on how you can get involved with Consult Australia’s defence industry initiatives, including the Defence Roundtable, contact Consult Australia’s Defence Manager, Matt Williams.