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The West Australian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with United Kingdom defence company Babcock Australasia to bolster defence industry expansion, training and workforce development.
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The subsidiary of British aerospace, defence and nuclear company Babcock International will coordinate with the local government to create high-paying, skilled jobs at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, as well as at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island.
The memorandum of understanding will focus on industry development alongside workforce training and upskilling, according to a statement published by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia and Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk on 13 December.
“The Western Australian government continues to show its support and investment in the defence industry with this latest memorandum of understanding,” Minister Papalia said.
“Babcock is a major player on the world stage when it comes to maintaining nuclear submarines.
“I am confident this MOU will help place Western Australia at the forefront of the latest developments in the maritime defence industry.”
Babcock already employs more than 26,000 people internationally, with 1,700 in Australia and New Zealand, including 250 in Western Australia. The company sustains the entirety of the UK’s submarine fleet and supports the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent.
Babcock also manages infrastructure at two of the UK’s three nuclear bases, HM Naval Base Devonport and HM Naval Base Clyde. It currently provides in-service support and maintenance of Australia’s Collins Class submarine fleet at Henderson and at Osborne in South Australia, as well as providing the continued sustainment of the Australian Anzac Class frigates under the Warship Asset Management Agreement.
Babcock has also recently started work as the Regional Maintenance Provider West, managing the sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy ships at Henderson.
The company’s work in Western Australia is delivered through the support of 500 small and medium enterprises, and this signing will provide opportunities for even more Western Australia-based SMEs to become part of Babcock’s international supply chain.
The state has supported the growth of the defence industry through grant programs, development of infrastructure at the AMC, and active promotion of the West Australian defence industry capability globally.
“The Cook government’s memorandum of understanding with Babcock allows more certainty and opportunity for Western Australians eager to explore a diverse career in the state’s defence industry,” Minister McGurk said.
“Babcock is a top-tier submarine defence company with a global reputation and expertise across the nuclear submarine life cycle.
“This deal will help our government create highly paid, professionally trained jobs to assist with the AUKUS partnership.”
