Session 2.7d: Update - Defence Workforce Trends: Insights for Strategic Planning
Tracks
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| Wednesday, November 19, 2025 |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Nicholls Theatre |
Details
Drawing on Kinexus’ Defence Industry Insights – 11th Edition, this presentation offers an overview of salary trends, workforce supply and demand, and hiring intentions across the Australian defence sector.
With major defence projects underway nationwide, the session highlights where critical skill shortages are emerging and how they’re impacting project delivery timelines, cost pressures, and workforce retention. Attendees will gain insight into candidate sentiment, salary expectations, and current job market activity, along with practical advice for strategic workforce planning.
Whether attendees are responsible for building teams, delivering projects, or shaping future capabilities, this session will equip them with the intelligence needed to address workforce challenges and align talent strategies with national defence priorities.
Key focus areas include:
Project Environment
• Analysis of current defence activity and the influence of adjacent industries.
Worker Supply
• Identification of high-demand skill sets.
• Insights into workforce size, location, and employment by industry.
• Mismatches between supply and demand.
Salaries & Expectations
• Current remuneration trends.
• Factors influencing attraction and retention of talent.
Supply Solutions
• Strategies to better utilise the existing workforce.
• Opportunities to expand the talent pool through current and potential initiatives.
Skilled workers are a fundamental input to capability, and innovative, forward-looking solutions are essential to reducing the risk of future workforce shortfalls.
Speaker
Mr Simon Blake
Regional Manager
Kinexus
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Biography
Simon Blake is the NSW Regional Manager and Contract Lead at Kinexus, leading contract and permanent solutions across Australia’s Defence, Engineering, and ICT sectors. With a strong emphasis on understanding and strategic insight, Simon collaborates closely with clients and candidates to deliver outcomes that align with both individual aspirations and organisational goals. Known for his thoughtful communication and patience, Simon brings clarity to complex workforce challenges and helps build long-term capability.
He is also a key contributor to Kinexus’ flagship Defence Industry Insights. Through his leadership, Simon ensures that Kinexus remains at the forefront of shaping Australia’s technical workforce and supporting talent development across strategic programs.
