Ministerial Statement

Defence Trade Mission

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (15:18): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: I inform the house that this weekend I will depart to lead a significant defence trade mission to the United Kingdom. The mission will focus on strengthening South Australia's international partnerships while further reinforcing our state's reputation as the nation's pre-eminent defence state.

The mission is about opening doors for South Australian businesses, securing opportunities through AUKUS and other naval shipbuilding activities, and ensuring that our state is firmly embedded in global defence supply chains.

South Australia has the expertise, the innovation and the workforce to deliver, and we are determined to make sure the rest of the world knows it. A key component of the mission will be South Australia's strong representation at the Defence and Security Equipment International conference, which is one the world's most significant defence and security exhibitions.

Our delegation will showcase South Australia's leading capabilities and seek to attract greater investment, collaboration and supply chain opportunities. DSEI will feature over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 90 countries. This will include more than 50 South Australian companies and research organisations showcasing their cutting-edge capabilities across defence, space and cyber.

For the first time, the South Australian government, through Defence SA, will host its own stand at the global trade show, reinforcing its position as the defence state. In addition to the participation of more than 50 South Australian companies at DSEI, the delegation will be strengthened by a significant contingent of senior industry leaders and CEOs. This will include chief executives from some of the state's most prominent defence companies, such as BAE Systems, PMB Defence, REDARC Defence & Space and Novafast, amongst others, demonstrating the depth and breadth of South Australia's defence industry capability.

The state government has prepared an extensive program for CEOs and businesses participating in our trade mission that will give them the opportunity to engage directly with their international partners, including key UK government and defence sector officials. The defence industry is a critical part of the South Australian economy, and this trip aims to further strengthen AUKUS ties and unlock opportunities for South Australian businesses.

In addition to the defence-focused program, which is rather intense, I will also undertake a series of meetings in relation to Australia's bid to host COP31, where I will highlight South Australia's leadership in renewable energy, emissions reduction and climate innovation, as well as Adelaide's capacity and experience to successfully host one of the largest international conferences ever to be held in the nation's history.

I will also engage in dialogue on South Australia's nation-leading political donation reform framework, which has set a new benchmark in transparency and integrity and is being recognised as a model for jurisdictions both nationally and abroad.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: No worries. I will depart for the United Kingdom on Saturday 6 September for five nights. During my absence, the Deputy Premier will assume the role of Acting Premier of South Australia.