Perth will host the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD) for the first time in 2027, bringing senior Australian and United States leaders together to discuss defence, security, technology, trade and regional stability.
The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 2026 AALD in Washington DC, confirming Perth as the host city for next year’s forum.
The event is expected to attract political, military, industry and academic leaders from Australia and the US, with the Western Australian Government positioning the forum as an opportunity to showcase the state’s capabilities in defence, critical minerals, space and advanced technology.
Western Australia’s growing role in the Australia-US alliance has been linked to its strategic location and defence infrastructure. The state is home to HMAS Stirling, a key site in the implementation of the AUKUS partnership, as well as a growing defence industry and sectors focused on critical minerals, space and advanced technologies.
The WA Government said hosting the AALD could create opportunities for local businesses, strengthen international relationships and support Perth’s position as a destination for investment and major international events.
Premier Roger Cook said securing the forum was an endorsement of Western Australia’s growing international profile and would give local industries an opportunity to connect with influential leaders from Australia and the United States.
Cook also pointed to AUKUS as a potential driver of economic diversification, saying Western Australia could develop into a major naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub in the Southern Hemisphere.
Defence Industries Minister David Michael said Perth’s selection reflected Western Australia’s growing role in Australia’s defence and strategic priorities.
He said the forum would allow senior government, defence and industry figures to strengthen relationships while showcasing the expertise within the state’s defence sector.
The AALD is designed to promote dialogue between Australian and American leaders on issues affecting the bilateral relationship and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The 2027 forum will provide a platform for discussions at a time when defence co-operation between the two countries continues to expand through initiatives including AUKUS.
The Western Australian Government said the event would support its broader efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on resources by developing industries linked to defence, technology and innovation.
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