• Minister and Defence Advocate to attend major maritime and naval conference
• Defence West to host small to medium-sized WA suppliers at its exhibition stand 

Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia departs for Sydney today to represent the Western Australian Government at the 2017 Pacific International Maritime Exposition.

Held every two years, the Pacific event is a major defence and maritime exhibition attracting key decision-makers from government and industry worldwide.

Western Australia's newly appointed Defence Advocate, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Raydon Gates AO CSM, will join Mr Papalia at the event.

Staff from Defence West and the Australian Marine Complex Common User Facility at Henderson will also be promoting the State at their exhibition stand.

Defence West will also host South Metropolitan TAFE and a number of small to medium-sized Western Australian companies on its stand throughout the event, providing them with a platform to promote their capabilities to industry leaders.

Together, Mr Papalia and Rear Admiral Gates will be meeting a number of major contractors engaged in or bidding for Australian Navy work, including the future frigates, offshore patrol vessel, and future submarine programs.