Defence and National Security
The ³ÉÈË´óƬ is committed to supporting the Australian Government’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, which calls for a whole-of-nation approach to harness all aspects of Australia’s capability to secure national interests.
This will include partnering with Australia’s defence sector, where such partnerships align with the national interest and are consistent with the University’s values and objectives.
The Australian government has a duty to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. As South Australia’s leading research-intensive University, our engagement with the defence sector is critical to improving our nation’s sovereign defence capability and fostering conditions for regional security, stability and prosperity.
The defence sector is a cornerstone of South Australia’s economy, contributing significantly to economic growth and creating opportunities for a skilled workforce. In 2022-23, the sector contributed $10.6bn to the Australian economy and employed 64,100 people. Defence represents nearly 4% of the South Australian economy and employs around 15,000 people – many in high value jobs.
The defence industry is crucial for national security and regional stability, offering extensive opportunities for innovation and growth. By collaborating closely with this sector, we enhance the employability of our University’s students and prepare them with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet future workforce demands. These partnerships support careers in defence, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to and lead in building a robust and forward-thinking workforce.
The ³ÉÈË´óƬ contributes to national security efforts and defence projects, through initiatives such as the Defence Trailblazer program and the Defence and Security Institute (DSI). The ³ÉÈË´óƬ is committed to building and maintaining world-class research, knowledge, infrastructure, and commercialisation pathways to support Australia’s national interests and promote the economic prosperity of South Australia whilst upholding our core values including the right to lawful freedom of expression.
The University will also pursue opportunities from the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, supporting the Australian Government’s national security endeavours. Our defence research focuses on building defensive capabilities to make our nation safe and secure, with advancements in research and development benefiting South Australia and the nation.
Collaboration with the defence sector in South Australia aligns with the University’s mission to meet our community’s evolving needs and challenges including through supplying highly skilled graduates ready to meet workforce demands now and into the future.