Victoria's world-class defence sector has won another victory for the state's economy, with the Andrews Labor Government securing Melbourne as the host of the largest land defence conference in the Asia-Pacific.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll today announced the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will be the new home of the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition from 2024.
The three-day event in Melbourne, to be delivered by the AMDA Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Army, is expected to generate an estimated $65 million for the Victorian economy and attract 800 companies, 9,000 unique attendees and more than 150 delegations from 30 countries across the world.
It will provide a global platform to showcase Victoria's advanced manufacturing and defence supply chain capabilities, including armoured vehicles, combat uniforms and communications systems.
Victoria is the home of armoured vehicle production in Australia, with Thales' Bushmaster and Hawkei vehicles made in the state and Hanwha's Self-Propelled Howitzer to start production soon. These activities are supported by more than 570 local businesses involved in land defence systems.
Securing Land Forces means Victoria will now host two major defence expositions in the region - the other being the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition in Avalon.
Around 6,300 businesses make up Victoria's defence sector, which contributes $8.4 billion to the state's economy each year and supports around 24,300 local jobs.
Victoria's business events sector is also a major driver of the state's economy - generating an estimated $12.6 billion annually and supporting more than 84,000 jobs.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll
"Hosting Land Forces in Victoria will enable our defence and advanced manufacturing sectors to shine on the global stage - showcasing what local companies and workers can do."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"We'll ensure Land Forces in Melbourne is a great success - cementing our reputation as Australia's premier business events destination."
As stated by AMDA Foundation CEO Justin Giddings
"The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre offers more space to expand our world-class Land Forces event right in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful cities, renowned as a highly attractive business destination."
