Queensland is fast becoming a powerhouse in Australia’s defence landscape, with strategic investments, a skilled workforce, and a growing network of innovative businesses. At the heart of this momentum is Defence Jobs Queensland (DJQ)—a dedicated government initiative driving the growth and global competitiveness of the state’s defence industry.

DJQ is committed to strengthening the state’s defence industry across five key domains: air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The mission is to position Queensland as a leading destination for defence investment, innovation, and capability development.

Core responsibilities

1. Supporting industry growth

DJQ plays a pivotal role in helping Queensland-based small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) become ‘defence ready’. Through targeted programs and workshops, DJQ equips businesses with the tools, knowledge, and certifications needed to enter and thrive in national and global defence supply chains.

2. Attracting investment

By working closely with national and international defence firms, DJQ helps bring major defence projects to Queensland. These efforts not only boost the state’s economy but also create high-value jobs and long-term opportunities for local communities.

3. Promoting Queensland capabilities

DJQ ensures that Queensland’s defence capabilities are front and centre at major industry events. In 2025, DJQ supported 11 Queensland organisations to exhibit at the International Astronautical Congress, and 36 businesses at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. These events provided valuable opportunities to build industry connections and explore strategic partnerships across space, maritime, and advanced manufacturing.

In 2024, DJQ supported 21 Queensland organisations to exhibit at the Land Forces 2024 defence exposition in Melbourne. The event attracted over 25,000 attendees from 31 countries, and 11 stand partners reported securing 80 quality leads worth an estimated $30.4 million.

DJQ also enabled 32 businesses to attend premier international tradeshows such as Avalon International Airshow 2025 and MRO Asia-Pacific 2024. These efforts generated 267 quality leads valued at approximately $267.3 million.

4. Workforce and capability development

Through the Queensland Government’s Defence Industry Hubs, DJQ has delivered a range of targeted development activities:

• Nine Introduction to Defence Manufacturing workshops attended by 118 participants, including 20 Central Queensland businesses.
• Meet the Major and Meet the Buyer events connected over 90 SMEs with defence primes, enhancing supply chain access.
• Boeing Capability Uplift Program, completed by nine Queensland firms, with five securing new contracts with Boeing—strengthening the state’s defence industry base.

Strategic Importance

Queensland’s location and infrastructure make it a natural hub for defence operations in the Indo-Pacific. DJQ is advancing this advantage through initiatives like the CQ Central to Defence project, which is shaping a Defence Industry Precinct Business Case. This work—supported by local councils and Regional Development Australia—highlights the regions:

• Deep-water and hazardous goods ports
• Versatile airports
• World-class military training facilities
• Strong regional infrastructure

These assets position Central Queensland as a key player in Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

Key Achievements at a Glance

• $30.4M+ in leads from Land Forces 2024
• $267.3M in leads from Avalon 2025 and MRO Asia-Pacific 2024
• $6.4M in contracts signed or under negotiation
• 90+ SMEs connected with defence primes
• 5 new Boeing contracts secured by Queensland firms

Conclusion

Defence Jobs Queensland is not just building a stronger defence industry—it’s building a stronger Queensland. Through strategic partnerships, targeted support, and a clear vision for the future, DJQ is ensuring that Queensland businesses and communities are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving global defence environment.