With the AUKUS partnership and massive infrastructure investment, South Australia has officially entered a "Golden Era" of employment. Discover how the Defence sector is redefining the Adelaide economy.
South Australia has earned its reputation as the "Defence State" through decades of excellence, but the current landscape represents something unprecedented. As we move through 2025 and look toward 2026, the South Australian economy is no longer just "growing"—it is undergoing a fundamental structural transformation driven by the Defence sector.
At Davies Stewart, we aren't just watching this boom from the sidelines; we are at the heart of the recruitment surge. For both employers and candidates in Adelaide, understanding the scale of this shift is essential for long-term career and business success.
1. For the Economy: A Record Breaking Outlook
TThe numbers behind
South Australia’s growth are verified by the latest national accounts. According to the
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Australian Defence Industry Account (2025), South Australia recently drove national growth in this sector, contributing over
$425 million in additional value to the state’s economy.
This momentum is anchored by three massive strategic pillars:
- The AUKUS Pillar: The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
2025-2026 Corporate Plan confirms that up to
4,000 workers are currently being engaged to design and build the infrastructure for the Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, with a further 5,500 direct shipyard jobs to follow.
- Surface Combatants: The SEA 5000
Hunter Class Frigate Program remains a cornerstone of local employment, with the first ships in production at Osborne South, sustaining thousands of local trades and engineering roles.
- SME Support: To ensure local businesses aren't left behind, the
South Australian State Budget 2025-26 has allocated $3.3 million for the Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Uplift program, helping local firms enter global nuclear-powered submarine supply chains.
2. For the Workforce: High Demand
The
South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan (2024-2025) highlights that the industry is forecast to grow from 5,500 direct jobs to more than 11,000 by the 2040s.
This isn't just a win for engineers; it’s a broad boom requiring project managers, cyber experts, and professional services.
Why the Human Element Matters in Defence
In a high-security, high-growth industry, trustworthiness is the primary currency. At Davies Stewart, we apply our "Recruitment with Heart" philosophy to ensure this economic boom translates into sustainable, long-term careers rather than just transient placements.
We specialise in facilitating the "Skills Transition." We are seeing a significant trend of mid-career professionals from automotive manufacturing, commercial ICT, and heavy industry successfully pivoting into the Defence sector.
According to the
South Australian Department of State Development (2025), these "mid-career pivots" are essential for the state to meet its critical milestones. We help candidates navigate the rigorous security clearances and technical benchmarks required to join the Defence State’s workforce, ensuring their transition is as seamless as possible.
Meeting the 2030 Deadline
The urgency for this skills transition is driven by the
Defence State Sector Strategy 2030
(September 2024 Revision).
This roadmap dictates that by the end of this decade, our state must be ready to support:
- The Osborne North Expansion: The completion of a brand-new
submarine construction facility supporting up to
5,000 highly skilled employees.
- The Hunter Class Milestone: The transition from prototyping into full-scale production for the Royal Australian Navy's new frigate fleet.
- Digital Transformation: The establishment of
Lot Fourteen as the nation’s leader in cyber resilience and supply chain readiness.
Partnering for the Future
The Defence boom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Australian businesses and jobseekers alike. However, navigating the security clearances, technical requirements, and competitive salary landscapes requires a partner who understands the local Adelaide terrain.
Elevate your career or secure your project’s future by partnering with the experts at Davies Stewart Consulting.
For more information about career opportunities in the Defence sector or how Davies Stewart can assist your business in navigating this growth, please reach out to our friendly and experienced team:
P |
08 8232 8008
E |
info@daviesstewart.com
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Blog Strategic References and Sources:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) :
Australian Defence Industry Account (2025)
Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) :
Corporate Plan 2025-2026
Department of State Development (SA)
:
Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan Update (2024/25)
Defence SA :
Defence State Sector Strategy 2030 (2024 Revision)
SA Department of Treasury and Finance:
2025-26 Budget Statement
