- Crisafulli Government retakes Land Forces, bringing Australia's premier land defence expo back to Brisbane in 2030.
- The event will showcase Queensland's defence capability and connect local industry with global opportunities, driving investment, jobs and economic growth across Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is accelerating the growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and building sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has secured a major victory for Queensland's defence industry, economy and sovereign capability with Australia's premier international land defence expo returning to Brisbane in 2030.
In addition to hosting in 2030, Queensland will have first right of refusal for Land Forces 2032.
The internationally recognised Land Forces is the Southern Hemisphere's largest land defence expo, bringing together defence, government, industry and academic leaders from across Australia and the Indo-Pacific to showcase emerging technologies, strengthen partnerships and explore future capability development.
The event is expected to attract thousands of delegates from Australia and overseas, generating economic activity while showcasing Queensland's strengths in defence manufacturing, supply chain development, advanced technologies and sovereign industrial capability.
Held every two years, the event has been lured back to Queensland from the Victorian Labor Government, which is due to host it in 2028, giving the event the stability and support from Government it needs and reinforcing Queensland’s position as a leading hub for defence innovation, investment and industry collaboration.
Defence is a priority growth industry, with the Crisafulli Government backing projects that deliver real opportunities for Queensland’s sovereign industries, rather than the thought bubbles of the former Labor Government.
In August, the Crisafulli Government launched Defence Q - Queensland’s refocused platform for defence industry growth, providing businesses with a clear and coordinated pathway to invest, establish and grow their presence in Queensland.
The specialised team is helping connect industry with government, strategic partners, supply chains, suitable locations and investment opportunities to support advanced manufacturing, testing and evaluation and the development of high-tech defence systems, such as missiles and autonomous and uncrewed systems.
Defence Q is reinforcing the significant partnerships the Crisafulli Government has already delivered through the landmark $180.6 Sovereign Industry Development Fund, which has already unlocked more than $193 million in investment for defence projects so far, creating over 2,470 new jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said securing Land Forces 2030 was further reinforcement of Queensland’s defence industry.
"Securing Land Forces 2030 is a major coup for Queensland and recognition of our state's growing importance to Australia's defence future,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Queensland will give the event the stability and support from Government it needs and showcase the state’s world-class defence and manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.
"Land Forces is more than a conference. It will drive investment, support local jobs and strengthen Queensland's position as a leader in Australia's defence industry.
"Queensland is already home to some of Australia's most significant defence assets, including a large Army presence, advanced manufacturing capability and growing sovereign industry expertise.
“After a decade of decline and Labor’s scattergun approach to industry development, the Crisafulli Government has its laser sight on securing the partnerships, projects and investment that strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability while creating high-value jobs and economic opportunities for Queenslanders.
“We're making the case to be the permanent home for Land Forces, so consider this shots fired."
AMDA Foundation Limited CEO Justin Giddings said Land Forces 2030 would further strengthen connections between industry, government and defence.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s support in bringing Land Forces 2030 to Brisbane and its ambition to deliver an event that supports the continued strength and growth of Australia’s defence industry.
“Land Forces has grown into a globally recognised event that showcases capability, opens doors for industry and helps build the relationships needed to turn opportunity into practical outcomes.
“We look forward to working closely with the Queensland Government to deliver an exceptional Land Forces in 2030.”