Tasmania celebrates new facility to boost national defence and maritime innovation

The new $7.5 million Common User Facility at the Australian Maritime College has opened, marking a significant milestone in Tasmania’s defence and maritime sector.

The secure facility supports major defence companies to work on real time problems with top level of security.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the Tasmanian Government has strongly supported the Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct from the outset.

“This facility is only one of a few of its kind. It strengthens Tasmania’s reputation as a centre for innovation, collaboration, and industry growth, providing a unique space for Defence, and industry, to work together on national security challenges,” Minister Barnett said.

“This facility strengthens Tasmania’s capability in both areas, and that is why we’re delivering ongoing investment in defence capabilities.

“Defence and maritime is in a new phase of growth in Tasmania with growing export sectors and key drivers of Tasmania’s economy. More than 60 Tasmanian organisations are now pursuing defence markets.

“That is three times more than seven years ago. In the past six years, Tasmanian businesses have been awarded more than $550 million in defence contracts, including over $190 million across 60 contracts in the last financial year alone,” Minister Barnett said.

Around 15 Tasmanian businesses contributed to this project, building design and trade skills.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Felix Ellis, said the Common User Facility demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing commitment to growing the defence and maritime sector, fostering innovation, and securing

Tasmania’s position as a leading national defence and maritime hub in global supply chains.

“I commend the University of Tasmania for supporting local industry and workforce participation in delivering this facility,” Minister Ellis said.

“This opening is another strong example of how Tasmanian innovation is stepping up to meet national priorities. This is the kind of forward looking infrastructure that will ensure Tasmanians are at the forefront of solving real world defence and maritime challenges.

“This facility not only strengthens our State’s role in supporting Australia’s sovereign capability, it also creates new pathways for Tasmanian industry to take part in cutting edge projects with global impact.

“By backing projects like this, we’re backing Tasmanian jobs, Tasmanian skills, and Tasmanian ingenuity.”