Duratec has strengthened its Defence sector capability with the appointment of former Western Australian Minister for Defence and veteran Navy clearance diver, The Hon Paul Papalia CSC, as a strategic advisor.
The appointment comes as Duratec continues to expand its presence across Australia’s Defence industry and position itself to support the next generation of Defence infrastructure projects in Western Australia and nationally.
Duratec CEO Chris Oates said Mr Papalia’s experience across both Defence and government would provide valuable strategic insight as the Company pursues growth opportunities in the sector.
“We are delighted to welcome Paul to Duratec at an important time for our business and for the Defence industry in Western Australia,” Mr Oates said.
“Duratec has a strong track record delivering infrastructure and remediation projects across more than 40 Defence sites nationally, including significant works at HMAS Stirling. As major Defence investments continue to develop, Paul’s expertise, leadership and industry knowledge will help us build on this foundation and identify new opportunities for growth.”
Positioned for Defence Sector Growth
The appointment coincides with a period of substantial investment in Defence capability and infrastructure across Western Australia.
With planning and development of the Henderson Defence Precinct progressing and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program creating significant long-term opportunities, Duratec is well positioned to support Defence infrastructure projects across the state and nation.
As one of only a small number of Australian companies accredited to ISO 19443, the international quality management standard for organisations operating within the nuclear energy supply chain, Duratec has a unique capability to support infrastructure projects associated with Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
“Our experience delivering complex projects in highly regulated operating environments, combined with our ISO 19443 accreditation, positions us strongly to support Defence infrastructure requirements into the future,” Mr Oates said.
Extensive Defence and Leadership Experience
Mr Papalia brings a distinguished record of service spanning both military and public sectors.
He served in the Royal Australian Navy for 26 years, including as a clearance diver, and served in the counter terrorist squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment.
During his military career, he completed two tours of duty in Iraq and commanded a clearance diving team, a navy patrol boat and ran the Navy’s submarine escape and rescue service. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) and Commendations from both the Maritime and Land Commanders.
Following his military career, Mr Papalia served as a Member of the Western Australian Parliament including as WA Minister for Defence Industries for more than 9 years. In this role, he launched the state’s first Defence and Defence Industry Strategy and played a key role in supporting the growth of the state’s Defence industry.
Mr Papalia said he was looking forward to continuing his support of Western Australia’s Defence sector in his new advisory role.
“Duratec has established an impressive reputation delivering complex infrastructure projects for Defence across Australia, and I look forward to helping the company translate its capability and experience into further opportunities in this important sector,” Mr Papalia said.
