The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP: Albanese Government boosts key projects at HMAS Stirling

The Albanese Government is investing over $83 million to deliver vital Defence infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. 

Ensuring the Australian Defence Force has fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure is critical for its capability and preparedness.

This investment will span across 32 projects at Stirling, including remediation and maintenance of the Parkes Wharf, tunnel maintenance and building refurbishments.

HMAS Stirling is vital to our national defence, supporting Royal Australian Navy vessels based in the West. From 2027 Submarine Rotational Force – West will be established at Stirling, in the lead up to it becoming home to Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.  

Work through the Defence Estate Works Program is expected to create more than 150 local jobs, providing significant opportunities for local trades, construction and other businesses. 

This is in addition to the $8 billion investment the Albanese Government is making to upgrade HMAS Stirling over the next decade in preparation for Submarine Rotational Force-West. 

HMAS Stirling has already hosted two visits from United States conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines since the AUKUS announcement in March 2023, and these upgrades will be critical in ensuring Australia is prepared to host US and UK submarines as part of SRF-West.

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP:  

 “Ensuring our Defence sites are equipped to meet operational and capability requirements, now and in the future is essential to keeping Australians safe.

“These projects, to be delivered by local businesses in the Perth region, are supporting local jobs and creating opportunities in the trades and construction industries.”