Arabic version: بيرث تستضيف معرض «القوات البرية» للدفاع
According to ABC News, the Land Forces defence conference and trade show has made its Perth debut, bringing industry executives from 60 countries and almost 1,000 exhibiting organisations to Western Australia. The biennial event promotes land-defence technology and connections across the sector, while anti-war groups prepare to protest outside it.
The WA government sees the expo as a strategic and commercial opportunity while it seeks to expand the state’s defence industry. Delegates from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Asia and North America are due to tour Henderson, described as the home of AUKUS, and the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup. The government hopes the visits will support investment, economic diversification and local jobs.
Premier and Defence Industries Minister Roger Cook said defence industries would be an important opportunity for Western Australia, citing the state’s geopolitical setting. Police Minister Reece Whitby said the event was important strategically and commercially. The conference is funded by the state and Commonwealth governments, although organisers did not reveal its cost and the state government cited commercial-in-confidence when asked about its contribution.
Police have received $11.5 million for security and temporary powers under new laws, including the ability to exclude people from Land Forces and a dedicated security zone around the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Whitby described it as the state’s biggest police operation, exceeding arrangements for the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. People on the exclusion list can still protest outside the security zone.
WA Greens staffer Matilda Lane-Rose challenged her ban in the Supreme Court and is now allowed into the area for a short period on Tuesday to film content. Mr Cook said people had a right to protest if they did so peacefully, respectfully and within state laws. Organisers of a planned march from Yagan Square to Elizabeth Quay also said they wanted it to be peaceful and non-violent.
