Economic Strengths
South Australia has a strong and diverse industry base, underpinned by a skilled workforce and enabling infrastructure.
Defence projects and research and development activity are major contributors to South Australia’s economy. A focus on growing defence-relevant areas such as cyber security, space technologies, advanced materials and autonomous systems continues strengthen the state’s economic future.
Diverse Industry Base
Major international defence companies have established operations in South Australia including BAE Systems Australia, Boeing Defence Australia and Lockheed Martin.
Prime contractors and Small and Medium Enterprieses based in South Australia have capabilities across the Maritime, Aerospace, Cyber and Systems, Space and Land sectors.
South Australia also has strengths in adjacent industries such as Minerals and Energy, Health and Medical and Creative Industries, with major companies resident in the state and significant investment in infrastructure.
Skilled Workforce
South Australia is ready to meet the challenge of supporting major defence programs through a pipeline of science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses and initiatives for skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling the defence workforce. South Australian universities welcome early engagement from the defence sector to shape relevant courses and produce the number of graduates to meet defence priorities and demand.
In addition to defence-relevant foundational science, technology, engineering and mathematics undergraduate degrees, South Australia is home to a suite of defence-specific courses and initiatives across South Australian schools, vocational education and training institutions and universities.
Strong Economy
South Australia is the ideal location for business investment, combining low business costs, an exceptional quality of life, a knowledge-based economy, a world-class education system, and a strong defence heritage.
The state is at the centre of the nation’s air, road and rail logistics networks, which offer easy and efficient connections to national, South-East Asian and other global markets. Adelaide also boasts affordable land linked to transport corridors and key infrastructure.
Our business advantages include labour costs that are 10% below the Australian average; residential, commercial and industrial property prices that are among the lowest of Australia’s mainland capital cities; and highly competitive construction costs.
More information on South Australia and investment opportunities: Defence SA, Department for Trade and Investment.