Pasin and Nampijinpa Price Drive Defence Industry Engagement in Murray Bridge

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP hosted Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, in Murray Bridge to showcase the region’s potential to contribute to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

As Australia undertakes an unprecedented $100 billion investment in national defence infrastructure over the coming decade — including naval shipbuilding, land systems, aerospace and advanced technologies — regional communities are increasingly being recognised for the role they can play in building sovereign capability and securing the nation's future.

Mr Pasin and Senator Nampijinpa Price were joined by key local stakeholders including Mayor Wayne Thorley and CEO Heather Barclay from the Rural City of Murray Bridge; Jody Hawkes, Director of Bowhill Engineering and Chairperson of RDA Murraylands and Riverland; Jason Murray, Director of Ares Armaments Australia; Brett Kennewell, Director of CNC Machining; alongside the Shadow Minister and Mr Pasin.

“This is about putting local businesses on the map and ensuring they are front and centre in the national conversation about defence industry capability,” Mr Pasin said.

“Murray Bridge is already home to advanced manufacturing and defence-related industries, and there is a clear appetite to build on that capability and expand local participation in defence supply chains.”

Senator Nampijinpa Price said building sovereign defence capability starts with backing local ingenuity.

“If Australia is serious about strengthening our defence sovereignty, we must invest in our domestic supply chains and ensure that critical equipment and systems can be manufactured here.” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.

“Regional communities like Murray Bridge have the capability, innovation and drive to lead in this space. My focus is on making sure the policy environment backs them every step of the way.” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

The visit marked an important step in positioning regional South Australia — and Murray Bridge in particular — as a key player in the future of Australia's defence and manufacturing landscape.

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