The Albanese Government’s new defence and critical minerals agreements with the United States have triggered swift responses from the states, with South Australia and Tasmania positioning themselves to take full advantage of the long-term opportunities.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the strong endorsement from President Donald Trump was welcome news for workers and families already preparing for a future in the defence sector. “In South Australia, work on AUKUS is proceeding full steam ahead,” he said. “I welcome the strong endorsement of the defence pact from President Trump and members of his administration. This is undoubtedly a partnership that is in the interests of each of the three nations involved.”
At the White House meeting last week, President Trump gave what he called a “very rapid and very good” assessment of the pact’s progress, confirming that the AUKUS partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia was on track. US Navy Secretary John Phelan described the move as a chance to “take the original AUKUS framework and improve it for all three parties” and said the new approach “should be a win-win for everybody.”
In Adelaide, preparations for the submarine construction yard at Osborne are already well underway. Around 4,000 workers are expected to be employed to design and build the infrastructure, with a further 4,000 to 5,500 direct jobs to follow once construction of the conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines begins at full scale.
To build the necessary skills base, the Malinauskas Government is investing in new technical colleges, apprenticeships, and the establishment of Adelaide University. Construction has started on a dedicated Skills and Training Academy that will focus on high-tech expertise for the state’s naval shipbuilding program.
The Commonwealth-South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan is supporting more than 20 initiatives, including the expansion of the Defence Industry Pathways Program, a Shipbuilding Employment Pathways pilot with TAFE SA, and 3,000 technical scholarships for students undertaking STEM degrees. “Families considering a career for their son or daughter in defence industries can do so in the confidence this endeavour will be a lasting one, and set their child up for a lifetime of employment and opportunity,” the Premier said.
Meanwhile, Tasmania is also looking to secure its share of the economic benefits from the critical minerals agreement announced alongside AUKUS. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Tasmania’s natural resources positioned it well to contribute to Australia’s sovereign capability. “As a producer of critical minerals and rare earths, Tasmania can play an important role in Australia’s sovereign capability on the back of this rare earths deal,” he said.
Mr Rockliff met with Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres last week to discuss Tasmania’s industrial base and its place in the broader minerals strategy. “It is clear the challenges faced by our major industrials cannot be resolved by one Government. This landmark deal with the US should back in Tasmania’s critical minerals and rare earth capabilities,” he said.
The state has already invested in its own critical minerals strategy and provided major industrials with discounted power to secure long-term viability. “Pleasingly, manganese is on the critical minerals list and that’s why we supported the Liberty Bell Bay smelter,” Mr Rockliff said. “We are working with the Federal Government on the pathway forward for Bell Bay Aluminium. Regarding Liberty Bell Bay, we are focussed on a positive, long-term outcome for the workers, the community, and Tasmanian taxpayers.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
