Disclosure Obligations and Fines for Defence West Authority Board Members
Defence West Bill 2026
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Topics
conflict of interest corporate governance data privacy government accountability information access
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Defence West Authority is established as a corporate body
Board members must disclose material personal interests at meetings as soon as they become aware of them
Board members face a $10,000 fine for failing to disclose these interests
The Minister for Defence Industries can demand information and documents from the Authority; the Authority must comply
Officials can only record or share protected information in good faith for specific legal or administrative purposes
The Authority can buy and sell property; it can also enter into contracts and accept donations
The Minister for Defence Industries and Treasurer must approve the terms of any business arrangements the Authority enters
The Authority must appoint a CEO to manage daily operations
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Paul Papalia ALP
“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The Defence West Bill 2026 delivers on a clear commitment made by the Labor government to the people of Western Australia to grow our defence industry, create high-value jobs, drive long-term economic diversification and support our veterans.”
News articles and press releases
WA arms up defence strategy with new statutory body
Paul Papalia, WA Defence Industries Minister — 2025-10-07
Our goal is to see WA’s defence sector grow into the State’s next major industry, second only to resources.