Public Sector Podcast: Advancing SA’s Defence Capabilities - Fostering a Vibrant Defence and Space Research and Innovation Ecosystem

In this episode, Matt Opie, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA, shares insights into South Australia’s defence innovation and workforce strategy, including how the state is preparing to meet growing capability needs through skilled talent pipelines, industry collaboration, and targeted R&D. He explores the national priorities driving defence innovation in 2025, such as AI, cyber, hypersonics, and electronic warfare, and the central role South Australia plays in delivering on the AUKUS agenda.

Matt also outlines the challenges of workforce supply, including a need to double the defence-relevant workforce over the next decade, and explains how programs like degree apprenticeships, technical colleges, and the "Find Your Place" campaign are designed to build long-term, sustainable talent in the defence and space sectors. From international trade missions to grassroots STEM engagement, this episode captures SA’s multi-layered approach to securing its position as Australia’s defence and space hub.

Key Discussion Points

• Defence Priorities in 2025 – National focus areas include AI, quantum tech, hypersonics, cyber, and autonomy under AUKUS Pillar Two and the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
• Tackling Workforce Gaps – With 11,000 new jobs needed, SA’s strategy includes technical colleges, degree apprenticeships, and early STEM pipeline development.
• Innovation and R&D Investment – Programs like the Defence Innovation Partnership support collaborative R&D between SA universities, SMEs, and Defence.
• Collaboration and Trade Missions – Defence SA plays a key role in uniting industry, universities, and government, and coordinates international B2B opportunities through events like the Avalon Airshow and global defence expos.
• Promoting Defence Careers – The "Find Your Place" initiative helps high school students and job seekers understand the diversity of roles across the defence sector—from engineering to HR and logistics.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a must-listen for defence industry professionals, policymakers, educators, and innovators interested in how South Australia is leading the way in developing a resilient, capable, and tech-forward defence workforce. Learn how strategic planning, grassroots outreach, and global partnerships are building the foundations for future capability.

🎧 Tune in to discover how South Australia is turning defence challenges into innovation and career opportunities.