• Inaugural defence conference to be held in Perth in October
• Conference will showcase the best of WA-based defence industry and research capabilities

Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia today announced the inaugural Indo-Pacific Defence Conference, to be held at Crown Towers in Perth on October 30 this year.

Mr Papalia said the State Government had partnered with the Perth USAsia Centre to deliver the conference, working with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and the Western Australian universities.

Speakers at the conference include the Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia; Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, Federal Minister for Defence; Senator the Hon. David Johnston, Australian Defence Export Advocate; and the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP, Federal Minister for Defence Industry.

The full list of speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Western Australia has a long and proud history of servicing and contributing to the national and international defence industry - through innovation, collaboration and providing value for money.

The conference aims to establish an ongoing dialogue that builds upon WA's existing strategic economic and locational links in the Indo-Pacific region, and the potential for a greater contribution to national and regional defence and security matters.

It will provide industry and, in particular, small-to-medium enterprises with the opportunity to consider the geo-strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region, and the implications and opportunities for defence and security from a regional, local and national perspective.

For more information, visit http://perthusasia.edu.au/defence-forum-2018

Comments attributed to Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

"This conference is an opportunity to showcase the best of existing WA-based defence industry and research capabilities to national and international stakeholders.

"It will also highlight to local industry the key elements for a business to be able to deliver world-class globally competitive defence and security products and services.

"The Government recognises the Indo-Pacific's role as a key economic and trade zone, and the emerging implications for national defence and regional security."