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A Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) workforce is critical for Defence and Australia’s ability to achieve the Government’s current and future challenges. Defence needs to continue to build a world-leading STEM-capable workforce of Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service personnel.

Strategic Vision

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Workforce Strategic Vision outlines our shared aspirations for Defence to ensure we are capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

Australia’s strategic environment is changing. The Australian Government is also investing $200 billion in Australia’s Defence capability over the next decade. To ensure the Defence of Australia keeps pace with these changes, we need to continue building a technology enabled Australian Defence Force, Australian Public Service and Defence industry workforce.

As a significant employer of STEM skills, Defence plays a critical role in shaping the future STEM policy and conversation at a national level – but only if there is a national level approach.

Defence commits to take a cohesive One Defence approach to STEM through the implementation of the strategic vision. If we continue to carry on with the same path, we will not achieve the step-up that is required, external stakeholders will continue to find it difficult to engage with Defence, and Defence will not attract the talented workforce required to achieve the Government outcomes for the nation.

For more information on Defence’s STEM Workforce Strategic Vision, please contact: stem.cadetship@defence.gov.au