Western Australia's government announced plans today to establish a defence manufacturing hub, aiming to make the arms industry the state's second largest economic contributor, while simultaneously repurposing a workforce of 1,300 skilled laborers transitioning out of coal-fired power. Premier Roger Cook unveiled the push at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth, signaling a state-backed shift towards military production.
The government is actively seeking expressions of interest from international defence companies in allied and neighboring countries to develop the local weapons manufacturing hub. Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia stated that nations globally are "uplifting [their] defence spend," and that WA's "massive resources sector" provides an industrial base applicable to "defence outcomes." Papalia articulated the ambition for the defence industry to become the state's second biggest contributor to the economy, following the resources sector.
Collie, a town approximately 200 kilometers south of Perth, has been flagged as a possible location for this new industrial complex. This move coincides with the state's plan to phase out coal-fired power generation in Collie by 2030, in 4 years, necessitating a shift for the town's economy and workforce. Papalia noted that Collie possesses "a really highly skilled workforce transitioning out of coal-fired power," comprising "some 1,300 workers there who are highly skilled and potentially could be the source of workers for this activity."
The State's New War Economy
The proposed hub is intended to manufacture guided weapons, including missiles, for use by the Australian military. Papalia described the potential facility as "like a Silicon Valley for defence manufacturing in Western Australia," suggesting a broad scope that could encompass vehicles, satellites, uniforms, or first aid kits. This expansion follows the launch of Australia's first missile assembly facility in South Australia within the current year, with a second factory slated for New South Wales, indicating a national trend towards increased military industrial capacity.
Premier Cook, when questioned by a journalist about becoming "an arms dealer," responded, "I'm a jobs dealer, I'm about establishing jobs." He dismissed community unease regarding the manufacturing of "deadly weapons" by stating that Western Australia already has a manufacturing industry that handles "highly flammable, explosive substances all the time," asserting, "This is no different and obviously all of these industries would make sure they undertake their practices in a safe way."
Collie Shire President Ian Miffling confirmed Papalia's recent visit to assess the town's suitability. Miffling downplayed the specific nature of the weapons, stating, "I wouldn't get too excited about whether it's missiles or hand grenades, it's ... about all sorts of equipment," and noted the presence of a rail line from Collie to the Port of Bunbury, facilitating export.
Repurposing Labor for Capital
The state's plan explicitly leverages a workforce displaced by the planned obsolescence of the coal industry. The 1,300 workers in Collie, whose livelihoods are being restructured, are now presented as a ready labor pool for the burgeoning defence sector. This transition, framed by the state as job creation, effectively re-directs public resources and a skilled workforce towards industries that serve capital accumulation through military contracts.
Liberal MP Steve Thomas critiqued the bid as a "thought bubble," questioning the security requirements and the direct transferability of skills, stating, "It's not the case for example, [that] those people working in the coal mining industry are suddenly going to become IT specialists in the military sector." This critique, however, focused on logistical challenges rather than the fundamental redirection of public wealth and labor.
Enforcement and Resistance
The announcement conference itself was marked by a heavy police presence, with officers roaming the venue and at entrances. Anyone approaching the convention center was warned that police had the power to search them, underscoring the state's role in securing the interests promoted at such events. This display of force accompanied the unveiling of plans to expand the military-industrial complex.
Greens MP Sophie McNeill issued a statement opposing the plan, asserting that WA "must not become a home for murderous global weapons manufacturers." McNeill stated that the initiative "will do nothing for the community and will only line the pockets of foreign arms companies; it is not the future we want for our beautiful part of the world." Her statement directly challenged the narrative of community benefit, pointing instead to the surplus extraction by private capital.