South Australia and Maryland have formalised a significant collaboration aimed at developing the skilled workforce needed for the AUKUS program. 

Premier Peter Malinauskas has re-signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maryland's Governor Wes Moore in Annapolis, Maryland. 

The renewed agreement will enable the two states to enhance their cooperation in defence, space, cyber, and autonomous technologies.

Maryland is considered a leader in defence, space, and cyber industries, hosting 15 of the world’s top 20 aerospace and defence companies. 

The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including connecting local companies with shared expertise, exchanging knowledge at government and commercial levels, conducting trade and business missions, exploring common research projects, and sharing access to public research infrastructure.

The proponents say the partnership will bolster South Australia's skills capability and workforce development, essential for the construction of AUKUS submarines. 

The agreement builds on a previous MoU signed in 2019 between the two states, predating the AUKUS agreement.

“We are both national leaders in these fields and it is in our mutual interests that we collaborate together,” Malinauskas said. 

“My core focus of this trip to the United States is to strengthen our state’s preparations for the AUKUS submarine project, with a particular focus on developing the skilled workforce required.”

Governor Moore has expressed enthusiasm about the expanded partnership, saying; “South Australia’s dedication to innovation and technology, particularly the space and defence industries, make it a natural partner for Maryland. We believe this expanded partnership with South Australia will keep both regions working towards the greater good, while boosting business in Maryland and abroad.”

The MoU includes provisions for regular exchanges and visits. 

Representatives from Maryland’s Office of International Trade and Investment have already visited South Australia to meet with Defence SA officials and participate in the Defence SA Business Mission, exploring collaborations in the nuclear submarine industry.

Additionally, the University of Maryland and the University of Adelaide have a long-standing partnership focusing on defence, intelligence, and security. 

During his visit, Premier Malinauskas also toured NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, saying South Australia is committed to forging strong links with NASA, given its role as the home of the Australian Space Agency.

In 2023, the Maryland Department of Commerce led delegations to various trade shows in Australia, including the Avalon Airshow and Indo-Pacific 2023, to establish connections with Australian companies. 

The expanded MoU is set to last three years, with an option to renew.