Henderson Defence Precinct to support 10,000 jobs in Western Australia

The new Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia is set to support around 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades, as reported on the Prime Minister of Australia official website. 

The Albanese and Cook Governments have selected the site for the precinct, marking a major step towards establishing a naval shipbuilding and sustainment hub in the state.

The project will support thousands of highly skilled jobs as Western Australia expands its role in naval shipbuilding and defence.

“This is great for Western Australia and great for local jobs,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. 

“AUKUS is full steam ahead and we are proud to deliver this milestone today alongside our partner, the Cook Government,” Prime Minister added. 

Jobs across shipbuilding and defence

The precinct will support naval shipbuilding and sustainment activities, including work on the Navy's future general purpose frigates and the Army's Landing Craft.

It will also support the sustainment of Australia's future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

The Government said the investment will create opportunities for workers and businesses across the defence supply chain.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said, “This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”

“All of this is critical to strengthening Australia's sovereign defence industrial base, supporting thousands of local jobs, and delivering the maritime capabilities needed to keep Australians safe,” he added.

Skills and training to support workforce growth

The Henderson Defence Precinct is backed by an initial $12 billion funding commitment announced in September 2025.

Alongside investment in shipbuilding and AUKUS, the commitments are expected to support around 10,000 direct jobs in Western Australia over the next 20 years.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said, “The Henderson Defence Precinct will deliver and sustain some of the ADF’s most lethal and advanced capabilities, while supporting thousands of skilled jobs and providing opportunities for businesses in the supply chain.”

WA Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Industries Amber-Jade Sanderson said, “With support for advanced manufacturing and major investment in skills and training, our Government is ensuring that WA businesses and workers are at the front of the line for the opportunities that AUKUS presents.”

Construction and manufacturing jobs

WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This investment will support thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs over the coming decades, providing lifelong careers for people in Perth’s southern corridor.”

WA Premier Roger Cook said, “My vision is for Western Australia to become the largest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub in the southern hemisphere.

“Over the next decade, defence is set to become Western Australia’s second largest industry, helping us remain the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job,” he also mentioned.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone that will enable both government and industry to get on with the job in securing this massive economic opportunity for Western Australia,” Cook concluded.

The precinct will now move into the concept design phase. Further engagement will take place between the federal and state governments, local industry, technical design and planning partners, and other stakeholders.